A ban on burbot fishing is introduced in Belarus from December 25 to February 28 inclusive.
The burbot is a predatory bottom-dwelling fish, the only representative of the cod family that inhabits freshwater. It prefers rivers and lakes with cold and clean water. Burbot reaches sexual maturity at 3-4 years of age, but under favourable conditions, some individuals mature earlier. In December, after the water bodies freeze over, the burbot begins its mass migration for spawning.
If a fisherman catches a burbot during the closed season, then in accordance with current legislation, the fish must be released alive into the fishing grounds.