Foto: BB.LV / рыбалка
A petition has been launched on the public initiative portal Manabalss.lv to reconsider the autumn fishing restrictions in the Barta River. The author of the initiative, Igor Savchenko, proposes to replace the current complete ban from October 1 to December 31 with more flexible rules, as reported by the LETA agency. Savchenko calls on the Ministry of Agriculture, together with the scientific institute BIOR, to assess the possibility of allowing certain fishing methods while maintaining the necessary protection for salmonids during spawning. ## What is proposed to be allowed for fishermen The initiative provides for the consideration of two possible exceptions to the existing ban. The first concerns spinning fishing. The author proposes to evaluate the possibility of allowing the use of spinning with a single hook. At the same time, scientific specialists should determine whether this method of fishing is acceptable in terms of protecting spawning salmonids. The second proposal concerns burbot. Savchenko advocates for allowing bottom fishing for this fish using natural bait during twilight and nighttime hours. According to him, such exceptions are already provided for in some other salmon rivers in Latvia. ## Why the author of the initiative opposes a complete ban Savchenko believes that the current restrictions are excessively harsh on law-abiding fishermen. In his opinion, a complete ban not only deprives people of the opportunity to engage in their usual hobby but may also indirectly contribute to poaching. The author explains that in autumn, when law-abiding fishermen stop visiting the riverbanks, there are fewer people capable of noticing illegal net installations and the use of prohibited fishing gear. Thus, Savchenko believes that the presence of fishermen could provide additional public oversight. At the same time, this is the author's assumption, not an established research result. ## Proposals to maintain protection for salmonids The author of the initiative emphasizes that this is not about completely lifting restrictions during the spawning period. It is proposed to find a balance between the protection of fish resources and the possibility of engaging in certain types of recreational fishing. In Savchenko's opinion, changing the rules would allow for the preservation of the traditions of autumn burbot and perch fishing while simultaneously ensuring the protection of spawning salmonids. The final decision on the admissibility of such exceptions is proposed to be made based on the scientific assessment of the BIOR institute. To implement the initiative, it will be necessary to revise the existing fishing regulations. For now, it is only about collecting signatures and proposing to change the regulations — the current ban on fishing in the Barta River from October 1 to December 31 remains in effect.
