Calculate for sprat-herring! From Saturday, fishermen must register these six fish 0 14

LLKC explains that the new order will help scientists and specialists more accurately assess the impact of recreational fishing on the status of fish populations, especially for commercially significant and protected species of fish.

Until now, information about catches has been incomplete and based on approximate scientific estimates or observations, which limited the possibilities for comprehensive planning of sustainable use of fish resources.

LLKC notes that the requirement to register catches will apply only to six species of fish for which the European Union (EU) Regulation on control provides for conservation measures, quotas, or a landing obligation in the coastal waters of Latvia.

According to the changes, starting from January 10, 2026, fishermen and underwater hunters will be required to report on six species of fish caught or released (if the catch is not kept) in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga – eel, cod, salmon, sprat, herring, and flounder.

One of the species subject to reporting is herring, for which conservation measures have been established at the EU level and recreational fishing is prohibited. Conservation measures have also been established for herring, and its recreational fishing in the coastal waters of Latvia in the Baltic Sea is banned.

For salmon with a clipped adipose fin, conservation measures have been established, allowing only one representative of this species from fish farms to be kept in the catch. In turn, all caught wild salmon must be immediately released back into the sea.

LLKC notes that the catch must be registered on the website "makskeresanaskarte.lv", and data for the previous 24 hours should be entered only if any of the listed species has been caught or released. The following information must be reported: date of catch, location, method, species of fish, and quantity or weight in kilograms; for certain species, also the length.