Taking into account that the year 2024 is coming to an end and cod by-catch in herring and sprat fishing beyond the coastal waters is not observed, flounder fishing beyond the coastal waters has not started, as well as the cod by-catch quota set for Latvia in 2024 has been used in the amount of only 56.2%, Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) has increased the by-catch limit of cod in the commercial fishing of the Baltic Sea coast by 16 tons, according to the announcement of the Ministry of in the publication “Latvijas Vēstnesis”.
In the amendments to the decision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of December 20, 2023 “On the additional regulation of fishing, angling and underwater hunting in the Baltic Sea in 2024”, it is stated that the non-governmental organizations of the fishing industry and the Fisheries Advisory Council supported the allocated cod by-catch in the written decision-making procedure on November 11, 2024 increasing the limit for commercial fishing of the Baltic Sea coast for 2024 by an additional 16 tons, redistributing the volume from flounder, herring and sprat fishing in the Baltic Sea (in sub-districts 25-32) to the remaining 19 tons of cod by-catch in coastal waters.
Cod by-catch quota for Latvia Baltic Sea 25-32 in the subdivisions in 2024 is set at 51 tons. Until now, when conducting commercial fishing in coastal waters, it was allowed to catch 18 tons of cod, when fishing for herring and sprats outside the coastal waters of the sea – three tons, and when fishing for flounder outside the coastal waters of the sea – 30 tons.
According to the information available in the integrated control and information system of Latvian fisheries, it can be concluded that on November 4, 2024, the amount of cod by-catch in commercial fishing in coastal waters reached 20.8 tons. On the other hand, in herring and flounder fishing in the Baltic Sea (subdistrict 25-32), cod has not been caught this year, but flounder fishing has not taken place.
Therefore, the proposal for the redistribution of cod catch quotas was submitted to the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM) and the Ministry’s approval was received on November 12, 2024. The amendments mention that out of the remaining total by-catch quota – 37 tons, this year a limit of 34 tons has been set for commercial fishing in coastal waters, while three tons have been reserved for herring, bream, and flounder fishing in the Baltic Sea (subdistricts 25-32) beyond the coastal waters. volume of cod by-catch.
The Fisheries Law stipulates that, in order to ensure the preservation and protection of fish resources, based on the requirements of European Union (EU) legislation, as well as scientific or Nature Protection Board recommendations, after coordination with VARAM, the Ministry of Agriculture can determine fishing, fishing, crabbing and underwater hunting rights measures regulating the use for a specific time.
The Ministry is allowed to limit or completely suspend the use of these rights in certain waters or their parts and to propose that activities that negatively affect the hydrological regime of the waters, pollute the waters or the tow lane, change the water level in the water body or create other adverse effects on fish resources are stopped in the waters and the tow lane conditions, as well as to determine the measures regulating and limiting the harvesting of fish and crayfish in the waters or their parts, where fishing is carried out for the purposes of state procurement of fish reproduction.
ZM organizes the use of fishing rights belonging to the state in the territorial waters and waters of the economic zone, as well as in the waters of other EU member states and international waters in which Latvia has been allocated a catch quota, or in the waters of third countries with which the European Community has concluded agreements in the field of fisheries.
It has already been reported that next year Latvian fishermen’s opportunities to catch sprats in the Baltic Sea will provisionally decrease by 30.6% compared to 2024, and they will be able to catch up to 19,299 tons of sprats. At the same time, the herring fishing limit for Latvian fishermen in the Gulf of Riga in 2025 will be provisionally 22,408 tons, which is 10% more than this year, and in the Baltic Sea – 2,326 tons, which is 2.1 times more.
By-catch opportunities for cod from fishing subdivisions 22 to 24 for Latvian fishermen will tentatively be ten tons, which is 17% less than this year, by-catch opportunities for fishing subdivisions 25 to 32 will tentatively be 37 tons, which is 27% less than this year , but the by-catch limit for salmon is planned to be 4,585 fish, which is 36% less than last year.
Illustrative image. Photo: Pixabay
Welcome to the Cod Circus: The Exciting World of Quotas and By-Catch
So, let’s dive into Latvia’s latest fishing escapade—a cod by-catch situation that reads more like a script for a comedy show than a government announcement. I mean, when was the last time you heard “cod by-catch quota” being the talk of the town? It’s as if the fishing industry thinks they’re writing the next big blockbuster, but the only thing getting hooked is our attention.
As the year 2024 approaches its grand finale, you’ll be delighted—or perhaps shocked—to learn that the cod by-catch in herring and sprat fishing beyond the coastal waters is as unseen as a disappearing magician! Meanwhile, flounder fishing has not even taken a bow. But don’t worry, our Ministry of Agriculture is here, wielding power like a magician with a deck of cards, pulling out an extra 16 tons of cod by-catch quota—like it’s a lucky charm—or just a way to keep the fishermen smiling. Why not? Every good fishing story needs a dramatic twist, right?
With the amendments slated for the fishing regulations, it seems our non-governmental organizations and the esteemed Fisheries Advisory Council were more than happy to back the dramatic increase in cod by-catch. The decision was unanimous—let’s take a little from flounder, herring, and sprat, and give it a round of applause for cod fishing along the beautiful Baltic Sea coast! Sounds like a negotiation at a fish market, doesn’t it?
Now, if you’re following along, here’s the scorecard: the cod by-catch quota for Latvia’s delightful Baltic Sea is a mere 51 tons for 2024. Previously, commercial fishing in coastal waters had a meager allowance of 18 tons while fishing for herring and sprats outside was a paltry three tons. Oh, and flounder fishing got a hefty 30 tons—some might say it was the flounder’s year, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Fast forward to November 4, 2024—remember that date, folks! The cod by-catch from commercial waters reached 20.8 tons. Not a bad haul, right? Yet, here’s the kicker: the herring and flounder camps aren’t even registering on the cod radar! If fish could laugh, they’d surely be chuckling at this regulatory game that seems to be more entertaining than an episode of *Gogglebox*.
But wait, there’s more! The Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM—doesn’t that sound fancy?) gave a thumbs-up to those shiny new fishing quotas. They’ve basically said, “Go for it, but don’t forget to save some room for herring, bream, and flounder as well!” It’s like a buffet where you have to keep an eye on your plate, making sure the cod isn’t hogging all the room—very considerate of them!
Now, where are our environmental concerns, you ask? Well, our Fisheries Law doesn’t just stop at handing out fishing licenses. It’s almost like a fishing superhero, protecting resources based on EU guidelines, and scientific recommendations. But let’s be honest, in the world of fishing regulations and quotas, keeping things balanced is harder than keeping a straight face at a comedy roast.
As we get ready to tip our hats to the new year, Latvian fishermen are being warned: fewer sprats to catch, down a whopping 30.6% compared to last year! But don’t worry, herring lovers, you’ll have a staggering 10% more than the previous year to celebrate with. It’s like a fishing party that nobody asked for, but everyone shows up.
In summary, as we approach a new year with plenty of fish—both caught and uncaught—the saga continues for Latvia’s fishermen, coming armed with regulations, quota changes, and maybe a few tales of “the one that got away.” So, let’s raise a glass, toast to the cod, and hope they don’t start charging us rent for swimming in their waters!
Illustrative image. Photo: Pixabay
As the year 2024 draws to a close, the Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) has announced an increase in the cod by-catch limit for commercial fishing along the Baltic Sea coast by 16 tons. This adjustment comes in light of the fact that herring and sprat fishing outside coastal waters has not led to any observed cod by-catch, while flounder fishing has yet to commence. Notably, Latvia has utilized only 56.2% of its cod by-catch quota for the upcoming year, as reported in “Latvijas Vēstnesis”.
In a recent amendment to the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ decision from December 20, 2023, regarding fishing regulations in the Baltic Sea for 2024, it was noted that non-governmental organizations within the fishing industry and the Fisheries Advisory Council endorsed this increase via a written decision process on November 11, 2024. This revision effectively reallocates the additional 16 tons for cod by-catch from flounder, herring, and sprat fishing specifically in sub-districts 25-32, leaving 19 tons still available for cod by-catch in coastal waters.
The cod by-catch quota set for Latvia’s Baltic Sea subdivisions 25-32 in 2024 stands at 51 tons. Previously, commercial fishing within the coastal waters permitted the catch of 18 tons of cod, while outside coastal waters allowed for up to three tons during herring and sprat fishing and 30 tons for flounder.
Data from the integrated control and information system of Latvian fisheries revealed that as of November 4, 2024, cod by-catch in coastal commercial fishing hit 20.8 tons. Meanwhile, there have been no cod catches recorded this year during herring and flounder fishing operations in the Baltic Sea’s sub-districts 25-32.
A proposal to redistribute the cod catch quotas was submitted to the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM), receiving formal approval on November 12, 2024. According to the amendments, from the total remaining by-catch quota of 37 tons, a limit of 34 tons is now set for commercial fishing in coastal waters. The remaining three tons are designated for herring, bream, and flounder fishing in the Baltic Sea beyond the coastal areas.
The Fisheries Law mandates that measures to protect and preserve fish resources must be based on European Union (EU) legislation and recommendations from scientific or Nature Protection Board sources. These regulations are subject to coordination with VARAM, allowing the Ministry of Agriculture to define fishing rights and their respective limitations for a specified duration.
The Ministry retains the authority to restrict or entirely halt fishing activities in certain areas, particularly where practices could negatively impact hydrology, introduce pollution, or alter water levels detrimental to fish populations. Moreover, fishing restrictions may be implemented in locations where fish are harvested for state-sponsored breeding programs.
The Ministry organizes the use of state fishing rights in both territorial waters and the broader economic zone, extending to waters of other EU member states and international waters where Latvia holds a catch quota.
Plans for the coming year indicate that Latvian fishermen will see a provisional reduction of 30.6% in their capacity to catch sprats in the Baltic Sea for 2025, with a limit set at 19,299 tons. Conversely, the quota for herring fishing in the Gulf of Riga is projected to increase by 10% over the current year’s limit, reaching approximately 22,408 tons, while the quota for the broader Baltic Sea will see a significant rise of 2.1 times to 2,326 tons.
Provisional by-catch opportunities for cod in fishing subdivisions 22 to 24 are anticipated to drop by 17% to ten tons, while subdivisions 25 to 32 are forecasted to see a 27% decrease to 37 tons. In contrast, the proposed limit for salmon by-catch is expected to be set at 4,585 fish, a reduction of 36% compared to last year.
Illustrative image. Photo: Pixabay
What are the key responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) regarding fishing regulations in Latvia?
Ions from the Nature Protection Board. This framework allows the Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) to implement specific regulations regarding the fishing, crabbing, and underwater hunting rights based on seasonal needs and fish availability.
As part of this regulatory environment, the Ministry can impose limitations or even suspend fishing rights in particular waters if necessary to safeguard fish populations. This includes actions to halt any activities that might negatively impact the hydrology of aquatic ecosystems, lead to pollution, or otherwise contribute to the decline of fish resources. Furthermore, the Ministry can dictate measures that specifically limit the harvesting of fish and crayfish in designated areas to promote sustainable fishing practices, particularly where there is state involvement in fish reproduction efforts.
In ensuring compliance with the quotas set in alignment with European Union directives and scientific recommendations, ZM is responsible for managing state fishing rights in Latvia’s territorial waters as well as international waters where Latvia holds fishing quotas. The cautious approach to managing fishing quotas reflects an increasing acknowledgment of the necessity to balance economic needs with environmental sustainability.
Looking forward to 2025, the anticipated decrease in sprat quotas for Latvian fishermen in the Baltic Sea signals a critical moment for fishery management. The reduction of nearly 30.6% in sprat catch limits aims to protect this species, which plays a significant ecological role, while simultaneously allowing for a modest increase in herring quotas. This duality reflects ongoing challenges in fisheries management, particularly with species facing different pressures in their habitats.
Additionally, stricter limits on by-catch quotas for species like cod and salmon illustrate regulatory efforts to ensure that fisheries practices are sustainable and do not inadvertently harm other fish populations. The adjustments to by-catch allowances will require fishermen to adapt their strategies and remain mindful of the ecological balance within the waters they operate.
The interplay between regulatory measures and the fishing industry in Latvia thus presents a dynamic landscape where adherence to both legal guidelines and environmental sustainability are becoming increasingly crucial in the face of global fishing pressures. As the new fishing regulations come into effect, the fishing community will need to navigate these new terrains with both caution and innovation, ensuring that future generations can benefit from rich, diverse marine resources.