With the arrival of spring after the melting of snow and ice, in reservoirs throughout Belarus there’s a significant increase in water levels, which arrives at a speed of 1-12 cm per day. The rivers and lakes of the Vitebsk region overflow their banks and beat long-term records. An intensive rise in the level of surface waters is also taking place in the reservoirs of the Berezinsky Reserve, where coastal areas are flooded. So, a tremendous flood of the Berezina River can be observed in the Brody natural boundary near the “Zarechnoye” guest house.
In the Zalazy natural boundary, the main water artery of the reserve flooded the floodplain areas, and the water level in the Serguch Canal reached the coastline.
During the flood period, spawning occurs in most species of freshwater fish. The wildlife and reservoirs protection, hunting department of the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve reports that in order to ensure normal conditions for the reproduction of fish during spawning and preservation of the fish resources, from April 10 to June 8, it is prohibited to catch all types of fish in reservoirs and watercourses of the Vitebsk region. In accordance with the Rules for recreational fishing, approved by Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus on July 21, 2021 No. 284, during the spawning ban, recreational fishing is not completely prohibited, but significantly limited.
You can only fish with one rod with one hook or spinning rod equipped with one artificial lure, with no more than two single or double or triple hooks during daylight hours exceptionally from the shore. Entry into the water is allowed if it’s not directly related to fishing (uncoupling the bait, avoiding obstacles). It is allowed to use a landing-net to lift fish, caught using the methods mentioned above, out of the water. Throughout the entire period of the ban, citizens are prohibited from using small boats for fishing and other purposes.
The violators of the rules are punished not only with the confiscation of fishing gear, through which the violation was committed, but also with administrative liability: the damage caused to the environment during spawning is calculated in a triple amount. And if the damage rates 100 or more basic units, criminal liability may arise.
