The Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora informs about restrictions and prohibitions on amateur fishing during the spawning period, as well as about the implementation of the SKM "SPAWNING" campaign.

In the Vitebsk region, fishing for all types of fish has been restricted since April 10. Fish will be spawning, so fishing restrictions will be in effect until June 8 inclusive.

During the ban period, fishing is permitted, but with conditions. Each angler is allowed one fishing rod with one hook or one spinning rod equipped with an artificial lure, with a single, double, or treble hook, during daylight hours from the bank (without entering the water) or from ice, from artificial structures for which no restrictions or prohibitions on economic activities have been established.

Anglers are permitted to use a landing net to lift fish caught by rod or spinning rod out of the water.

Amateur fishing using other gear or methods during this period constitutes a violation and is qualified under Part 1 of Article 16.25 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus, leading to a fine for citizens ranging from 10 to 30 basic units.

In case of illegal fish extraction during the prohibition periods, environmental damage shall be compensated based on the tariffs established by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus of April 11, 2022, No. 219, at a triple rate for each extracted individual.

If the damage amounts to 100 or more basic units, criminal liability under Article 281 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus shall be incurred.

Commercial fishing is prohibited during these periods by the Rules.

During these same periods, the use of vessels by individuals and legal entities is also prohibited by the Rules. This violation of the Rules is qualified under Part 4 of the aforementioned Article of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus and entails a fine for an individual up to 10 basic units, and for a legal entity up to 50 basic units. The use of vessels during the prohibition periods is permitted only on the basis of a permit issued by the district or city executive committee, in cases where their use is necessary for movement on a water body for economic, transport, sports, or tourism purposes.

During the spawning season, the State Inspectorate will conduct a special comprehensive event called "Spawning". All possible efforts will be made to ensure favourable conditions for fish populations for reproduction and continuous renewal.

During this period, all territorial divisions will strengthen control over water bodies and intensify interaction with other state bodies and organisations.

One of the most important tasks is to prevent violations of environmental legislation and to prevent poaching fishing gear from entering the country's water bodies and watercourses. For this purpose, extensive preventive work will be carried out.

Special attention will be paid to the storage and use of prohibited fishing gear. The storage of such gear entails administrative liability under Art. 16.26 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus, the sanction of which for an individual provides for a fine of up to 30 basic units with confiscation of the object of the administrative offence.

However, a person who voluntarily surrenders prohibited fishing gear shall be exempted from administrative liability. The State Inspectorate calls on citizens to refrain from using and storing nets and net materials, as well as other prohibited fishing gear. Nets can be voluntarily surrendered at any territorial division of the State Inspectorate.