A ban on pike fishing will be introduced on March 1st and will last until April 15th.
The protective measures for pike fishing are related to the onset of the spawning season of this species. Pike begins spawning earlier than other aquatic inhabitants, since it is not as demanding of water warming. During the spawning period, pike loses its usual caution and becomes easy prey for poachers. For pike fishing during the prohibited period, a fine is provided in the amount of 10 basic units (450 rubles) to 30 basic units (1,350 rubles), stipulated by administrative liability in accordance with Part 1 of Article 16.25 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus with confiscation of fishing gear and other items used as a tool or means of committing the specified violation, for a legal entity - from 100 to 500 basic units (from 4,500 to 22,500 rubles). In addition to the fine, violators will be required to pay damages for illegally caught pike in the amount of 9 base values per specimen (405 rubles) and its value, based on a tax of 0.5 base values (22.5 rubles) per specimen. Criminal liability for illegally caught pike under Article 281 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus occurs if 12 or more pike of any size are caught. If a fisherman accidentally catches a pike during the spawning season, it must be released alive into the fishing grounds! If it is impossible to remove a spoon or hook from the pike's mouth without damaging it, cut the fishing line from the spoon inside the pike and release the pike into the fishing grounds along with the spoon or hook. The hook will eventually disintegrate, and the fish will free itself from the spoon and continue to live. We ask all citizens concerned about the problems of their native nature to report any violations that occur to the 24-hour hotline of the Brest Regional Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora (8 0162 25 50 00)
