Latvijas zivsaimniecības gadagrāmata. 2020, 24. gads

At a time when the whole world is concerned about the increase in the spread of Covid-19, it seems that the desire to talk about many other important things related to the operation and further development of industries falls quite naturally. People working in fisheries have already helped overcome various crises and upheavals. On the part of the state, actively responding to this situation, very quickly, already at the end of spring, support measures for the sector of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund were introduced. Representatives of all areas of the industry — fishermen, fish farmers and processors — had the opportunity to receive support if Covid-19 caused a drop in their production and sales. Undoubtedly, the trade and demand of fish products, compared to 2019, faced changes both in Latvia and throughout Europe, which required a new approach and solutions for the fishing industry. It is also easier to purchase duty-free diesel fuel needed for fishing, which previously could only be purchased at port customs warehouses. Care for fishermen is also provided by new regulations on the employment of fishermen, which in Latvia take over the European Union directives and international agreement norms in this area. The regulations set requirements for the working and living conditions of fishermen on ships, regulate health protection issues, determine the conditions of employment contracts and other requirements. In aquaculture, innovative solutions are being sought that would improve the efficiency of cultivation and reduce the losses caused by wild fish-eating birds to pond farms. The part eaten by the birds, and therefore not on the market, is really significant. Therefore, the exchange of experience and the transfer of knowledge in this and other issues of aquaculture operations are very important, including ensuring Latvia’s participation in the work of the European Inland Waters and Aquaculture Advisory Commission (EIFAAC). This year, after changes in the system of administrative violations, the regulation of fines in fishing and fishing was also adjusted. These issues are now covered by the Fisheries Act. Our scientists, who ensure constant monitoring and data collection of the most important fish species, can tell you what the state of fish resources is. In the sea, they are cod, herring, flounder, flounder, salmon, but now also round sea bream on the coast. The situation with cod stocks has become quite dire. It is only allowed to be caught in small quantities in fishing for other species. Cod was once the most expensive and sought-after sea fish by fishermen, but the future of its stocks is now unfortunately shrouded in uncertainty due to environmental and climate change. We would very much like our Baltic Sea to be the richest in valuable species of large fish. Therefore, with the initiative of several Baltic Sea countries, a joint project has been launched to restore the Baltic sturgeon population, which we lost a long time ago. Latvian scientists and fish farmers are also involved in this project. Among the inland fishing objects, lamprey has always been important for us Latvians. That is why scientists show increased concern for this species. New methods for better assessment and improvement of lamprey condition are constantly being sought. The largest lakes of the country, which are of maritime value inland, are also of great importance, for example Lake Rāzna. Its fish are important to both fishermen and anglers. In addition, the Baltic Sea has such a low concentration of salt that almost all freshwater fish species like to live in coastal waters, especially in the areas of river mouths and harbours (e.g. the port of Liepāja). This certainly gives anglers more options to choose which fish to catch in a given season and in which waters. Anglers, especially ‘Sunday’ anglers for whom fishing is not a regular hobby, now also have a wider choice of which 8 fishing card to buy to take to the waters. It must be said that the licensed fishing spots in Latvia have developed quite extensively in recent years, they offer waters managed at a better level with regularly replenished fish resources, boat rentals, tourist services and other things useful for anglers. However, it is clear that the number of licensed fishing organizers, the greater the variety of service offered and the level of satisfaction of anglers. In the age of technology, it is important not to lose the angler’s connection with nature and to maintain the sustainability of fish resources used in fishing. For 25 years, the Fish Fund has also been trying to take care of the sustainability of waters and fish resources, which over the years has made a significant contribution to the research, reproduction and conservation of fish resources. It is equally important to maintain the cultural and historical traditions of careful use of fish resources and to inform the public about it. As a country rich in sea and inland waters, Latvia has a very long history of fishing — from its beginnings to the present day.