Salmon Go to Spawn, Inspectors Go on Patrol: What Changes on October 1

According to the Nature Conservation Agency (NCA), criminal liability is provided for illegal fishing of salmon during this period. In addition, the offender will have to compensate for the damage — 715 euros for each caught and killed protected fish. Salmon and brown trout in Latvia are predominantly found in the basins of the Gauja, Irbe, Salaca, and Venta rivers. Many sections of these rivers pass through specially protected natural areas. ### Dozens of Kilometers Against the Current After spending several years at sea, where the fish feed and grow, they return to their native rivers with the onset of spawning. Guided by the chemical composition and smell of the water, salmon and brown trout overcome dozens of kilometers against the current. At this time, the fish do not feed. Their task is to reach suitable areas with gravel and pebbles, where females create spawning nests and lay eggs. The NCA emphasizes that the preservation of each spawning fish is critical for the population. The survival rate of juveniles is low, so any loss of adult individuals during the breeding season can seriously affect the species' numbers. Additional threats remain from dams on rivers, rising water temperatures, and pollution. ### Increased Inspections on Rivers During the spawning period, state inspectors from the DAP, together with the State Police, municipal police, and the National Guard, will conduct intensified patrols throughout Latvia. According to current fishing, trapping, and underwater hunting regulations, salmon and brown trout are prohibited from being kept in the catch in Latvia's inland waters year-round. An exception is made for certain licensed fishing locations from January 1 to September 30. On certain salmon rivers, fishing is prohibited from October 1 until the end of the spawning season. The restrictions also apply to other types of salmon. Grayling is prohibited from being kept in the catch from February 1 to April 30, brook trout from September 1 to November 30, and vendace and smelt from October 1 to November 30.