THE LONG-TERM STOCKING OF FISH INTO LATVIAN INLAND WATERS – A SUCCESS OR FAILURE STORY?

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Current issue: Volume 25, No. 2 (2025)

THE LONG-TERM STOCKING OF FISH INTO LATVIAN INLAND WATERS – A SUCCESS OR FAILURE STORY?

Jānis Birzaks*, Marina Janovska

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(2).005

Birzaks J., Janovska M. 2025. The long-term stocking of fish into Latvia’s inland waters- a success or failure story?. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 2025(2): 231-245.

Abstract

Fish stock recovery is a critical fisheries management strategy designed to augment fish populations, particularly in response to declines driven by overfishing, habitat degradation, and other anthropogenic pressures that adversely affect freshwater ecosystems and ichthyofauna. This approach seeks to enhance catch composition and quality to secure sustainable socioeconomic benefits. However, empirical evidence indicates that only a minimal proportion of stock recovery initiatives have yielded the anticipated substantial long-term outcomes. Analysis of catch rates and stocking trends in Latvian waters demonstrates that (a) populations of five out of six routinely stocked species exhibit no measurable improvement, and (b) both capture and stocking metrics reflect a statistically significant reduction in total fisheries yield despite consistent annual restocking efforts. These findings suggest that contemporary stocking programs are ineffective and require comprehensive revision, optimization, or alternative management approaches.

Keywords: fish stock recovery, fisheries.

*Corresponding author: Jānis Birzaks. Independent researcher, Īvandes 9, Riga, LV- 1004. Email: jbirzaks59@gmail.com

Marina Janovska. Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Parādes Str. 1a, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia. E-mail: marina.janovska@du.lv