From March 1, pike fishing is prohibited in Belarus during the spawning season

In Belarus, a ban on pike fishing will be introduced in almost all regions from March 1.

Strict rules are in place in Belarus regulating pike fishing during the spawning period. This is due to the fact that the fish is particularly vulnerable at this time, and its catch can cause serious damage to the population. From March 1 to April 15, a ban on catching common pike will be in effect in the fishing grounds of the Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk, and Mogilev regions. In the Vitebsk region, the ban is introduced from March 9 to April 23.

Pike accidentally caught during the specified period must be immediately released back into its natural habitat in the same place where it was caught. Catching pike during the ban period entails administrative liability under Part 1 of Article 16.25 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. For the violation, a fine of 10 to 30 basic units is provided (1 BU - 45 Belarusian rubles). You will also have to pay 9 BUs for each caught individual. In case of damage amounting to 100 BUs or more, criminal liability is incurred.

"The common pike is the most widespread fish species in Belarus, inhabiting almost all water bodies in the country, and the most popular among amateur anglers. The age of pike, as a rule, does not exceed 20 years. The predator performs an important function as a natural regulator of fish balance. It destroys low-value fry, sick and weakened individuals, which stimulates the growth of valuable species and the overall health of their populations. It spawns one of the first among spring-spawning fish. The reproduction process occurs immediately after the ice melts at a water temperature of plus 3-9 degrees Celsius. Pike lay eggs in shallow waters among vegetation. The natural spawning process is necessary to maintain the quantity and quality of aquatic bioresources," the State Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora noted.