State Environmental Service inspectors release 530 illegally caught lampreys and a pike at Ventas Rumba in Kuldīga
Published: 31.03.2021
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Environmental inspectors from the Kurzeme Regional Environmental Board of the State Environmental Service (SES) detected illegal lamprey fishing near Ventas Rumba in Kuldīga, after which 530 lampreys and a pike were released into the river. It is currently the spawning season for lampreys and pike, and fishing for them is prohibited. The damage caused to fish resources by the illegal catch, had the offenders been apprehended, could have exceeded EUR 21,000. The SES expresses its gratitude to the residents who promptly reported the violation.
On 28 March 2021, SES inspectors received information from the Kuldīga Municipal Police about possible illegal lamprey fishing near Ventas Rumba, as passers-by had reported seeing fishing gear in the river. When the inspectors arrived at the indicated location and carried out an inspection, they managed to retrieve fishing gear intended for catching lampreys, containing a large number of lampreys and one pike. After weighing the catch together with the fishing gear on site, it was established that approximately 53 kilograms of lampreys had been in the fyke net. The inspectors determined that the fyke net contained 530 lampreys and a pike—the catch was immediately released into the river, while the illegal fishing gear was seized and will be destroyed.
Since lamprey fishing is prohibited in the Venta from 1 February to 31 July, the amount of damage caused to fish resources is EUR 40 for each illegally caught lamprey. Had the offender been apprehended, the compensation payable to the state for the lamprey catch would have totalled EUR 21,200, and EUR 145 for the pike. The administrative penalty for a fishing violation is a fine of up to EUR 700 for an individual and up to EUR 4,300 for a legal entity. If the damage caused to fish resources exceeds five times the minimum monthly wage set by the state, which is currently EUR 2,500, the damage is deemed substantial, and criminal proceedings may be initiated for such a violation.
SES inspectors carry out intensified monitoring in Latvia’s inland waters during the spring migration and spawning period of fish.
Information prepared by:
Public Relations Specialist
State Environmental Service
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