The Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora reminds you of "What to do if you find poaching nets on a body of water".

When fishing on remote lakes, one quite often encounters illegally set poaching nets, traps, and other prohibited fishing gear. How to act correctly in such a situation to avoid finding yourself in the role of a poacher.

First, let's clarify what constitutes permitted tackle for amateur fishing, so as not to accidentally accuse honest anglers of poaching. Everyone knows about fishing rods, bottom rigs, and spinning rods, but the Fishing Rules also permit the use of lift nets, crawfish traps, and, more recently, even screen nets. If a found fishing gear is not among those listed above, and you are sure that you have encountered a truly poaching fishing tool, act according to the Fishing Rules of Belarus. Without removing the gear from the water, without touching it, if the prohibited fishing gear is found on the bank, report the find by calling the hotline of the State Inspectorate: 8(017)39-00-000, 8(033)333-6-000 or the Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora at 8(02132)3-43-85. Keep in mind that inspectors may already be waiting for the owner of the found poaching gear at the location, and your actions may be under video surveillance.

If the prohibited gear ends up in your hands, and you decide not to report the find to the State Inspectorate, there is a high probability that you could be convicted of poaching. And while a spin fisherman who accidentally snags a "trap" with a lure will not be bothered, an inspector who checks someone else's nets will be dealt with to the fullest extent. Which is understandable. By taking such actions, the angler crosses the line of the law themselves, becoming one with the poachers. Be prepared to pay for your foolishness. For being in fishing grounds with prohibited fishing gear, you face administrative responsibility under Part 3 of Article 16.25 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus, which is a fine from 5 to 30 basic units. If you have taken possession of, for example, a poaching net, and it contained a catch, then be prepared to face more serious punishment. Depending on the amount of damage caused, it can amount to hundreds of basic units. In case of damage of an especially large scale, there is a high probability of being convicted under a criminal article.