During the spring spawning season, catching fish with nets causes the greatest damage to fish reproduction. The damage caused, which is compensated by offenders, is calculated at triple rates. Therefore, inspectors try to confiscate poaching gear before it enters the water body, and its owners incur numerous problems and financial liabilities.
Liability for the possession of net materials and their trade was introduced in January 2018 by Article 15.36 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus. Half of the nets confiscated last year (145 km out of 309 km) were discovered precisely during storage or attempted sale. Owners of prohibited fishing gear had to pay considerable fines. This year, the work on confiscating nets continues, involving the police, investigative bodies, and the public.
Despite the fact that the legislative norm prohibiting the possession and sale of nets has been in effect for over a year, not everyone is aware that even old, traditional nets hanging in the attic can lead to an investigation. You can surrender your net "arsenal" absolutely without consequences, provided it is done voluntarily.