The Republic of Belarus is home to over 10,000 lakes and 20,000 rivers, the majority of which are located within the Vitebsk region. The Vitebsk region inspectorates for the protection of fauna and flora regularly conduct field operations to identify and prevent violations of environmental legislation on water bodies. During their surveys, inspectorate officers detect instances of citizens using prohibited fishing gear. These include fishing nets, weirs, seines, etc.
Those who engage in this type of so-called "fishing" should be aware that the use of prohibited fishing gear carries administrative liability in the form of a fine ranging from 10 to 30 base units, with confiscation of the fishing gear and other items used as tools or means for committing the said violation, or without confiscation. In cases of illegal extraction of fish or other aquatic animals, the offender is obliged to compensate for the damage caused to the environment according to established rates. If the damage amounts to 100 base units or more, criminal liability may be incurred.
Furthermore, being present in fishing grounds or the adjacent territory within a one-kilometre radius of the shoreline of fishing grounds with prohibited fishing gear is subject to administrative liability in the form of a fine ranging from 5 to 30 base units.