Latvia steps up patrols as salmon spawning season begins

Latvia has banned angling in all salmon rivers from October 1 as salmon and sea trout begin spawning, and the Nature Conservation Agency is stepping up inspections, LSM reports.

State environmental inspectors will carry out patrols across the country with the State Police, municipal police and the National Guard, during both daylight and nighttime hours. Inspectors will use video surveillance equipment and drones with thermal cameras to detect violations at night and in hard-to-reach places.

Illegal catches of salmonids during the spawning period can result in criminal liability and a fine of 715 euros for each protected fish caught and killed.

Salmonids are found mainly in the Gauja, Irbe, Salaca and Venta river basins, some stretches of which pass through protected natural areas. Each autumn, the fish return from the sea to their home rivers to spawn. They travel upstream to gravelly spawning grounds, where females dig nests and lay eggs.

The agency says protecting each spawning fish is critical to the species’ survival. On average, only about 50 young salmon return to their home river. River barriers, warming water and pollution also affect the fish.

Keeping salmon and sea trout caught in Latvia’s inland waters is prohibited year-round, with exceptions at certain licensed angling sites from January 1 to September 30.