Ban on fishing in wintering pits

In the course of their life, fish have adapted to significant changes in natural conditions. A reduction in daylight hours, a decrease in water temperature, a reduction in dissolved oxygen in the water, and the scarcity or absence of food are signals for fish to prepare for wintering. During this period, the vital processes of fish – metabolism, respiration, and reaction to stimuli – slow down.

In natural conditions, fish overwinter in "wintering pits" or in deeper sections of water bodies. Fish of usually the same species and age accumulate in these areas, which ensures the most favorable conditions for overwintering. As a rule, the same "wintering pits" are used by fish annually. In this case, "wintering pits" are not necessarily pits in the literal sense of the word; they can often be flat bottom areas. Their change occurs only in artificial reservoirs with an unstable water level (reservoirs, ponds).

A wintering pit is a deep section of the bottom of a water body where fish gather in the cold season for reduced activity. Such places are usually chosen by fish for their elevated water temperature, improved gas exchange, and shelter from predators.

We remind you that to preserve fish populations in accordance with paragraph 30 of the Rules of Amateur Fishing, from October 1 to April 15, a ban on catching all types of fish in wintering pits is in effect.

In accordance with paragraph 31 of the Rules of Amateur Fishing, the List of wintering pits, indicating the coordinates of their boundaries, is determined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Belarus in conjunction with the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.