Illegal fishing of salmon during the spawning period carries criminal liability and a damage compensation fee of 715 euros for each caught and killed protected fish, news.inbox.eu reported, citing the Nature Conservation Agency (NCA).
River Basins Under Intensified Patrols
Salmon and brown trout in Latvia reside primarily in the basins of the Gauja, Irbe, Salaca, and Venta rivers. Many sections of these waterways flow through specially protected natural areas. State inspectors from the Nature Conservation Agency, operating alongside the State Police, municipal police, and the National Guard, are conducting intensified patrols across these river systems throughout the spawning period.
Current fishing, trapping, and underwater hunting regulations prohibit keeping salmon and brown trout in the catch within Latvia’s inland waters year-round. An exception applies to specific licensed fishing locations from January 1 to September 30. On designated salmon rivers, fishing is banned from October 1 until the spawning season concludes. Restrictions also cover other species, prohibiting the retention of grayling from February 1 to April 30, brook trout from September 1 to November 30, and vendace and smelt from October 1 to November 30.
Adult salmon and brown trout return to spawn
After spending several years feeding and growing at sea, adult salmon and brown trout return to their native rivers as spawning begins. Guided by the chemical composition and scent of the water, the fish swim dozens of kilometers against the current without feeding. Their objective is to reach shallow areas featuring gravel and pebbles where females construct spawning nests and deposit eggs.
The Nature Conservation Agency emphasizes that every single spawning fish is vital for maintaining the population. Because the survival rate of juveniles remains low, losing adult fish during the breeding season severely impacts overall species numbers. In addition to illegal fishing, populations face ongoing threats from river dams, rising water temperatures, and pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Latvia Spawning Season Restrictions
Why do salmon and brown trout travel against the current during spawning?
Fish rely on the chemical composition and smell of the water to locate their native rivers after years at sea. They swim dozens of kilometers upstream without feeding to reach specific areas with gravel and pebbles where females build nests and lay eggs.
What are the specific closed seasons for other protected fish species in Latvia?
Regulations prohibit keeping grayling in the catch from February 1 to April 30. Brook trout cannot be retained from September 1 to November 30, while vendace and smelt are restricted from October 1 to November 30.
Where are salmon and brown trout predominantly located in Latvia?
These species are found mainly in the river basins of the Gauja, Irbe, Salaca, and Venta rivers, with many sections passing through specially protected natural areas.
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