We Must Respect the Decision on Permissible Quotas and Timelines for Fishing: Ministry's Response to Fishermen's Protest

The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia states: “We must respect the government’s decision regarding the permissible quotas and timelines for industrial fishing, which is based on data from the National Academy of Sciences regarding the total biomass of the carp in Lake Sevan.

It is worth noting that according to the 2020 assessment data from the National Academy of Sciences, the total carp biomass in Lake Sevan was 2,345 tons, of which the total industrial stock was approximately 586.2 tons. For the second phase of experimental carp fishing in 2021, a maximum quota of 250 tons was established for use. By a government decision on September 2 of this year, the quota for industrial carp fishing for 2021 was increased by another 50 tons, and the fishing period was extended until October 15 of this year, allowing law-abiding fishermen to conduct industrial carp fishing in compliance with the established regulations.

The concerns of our compatriots will be taken into account. However, it must also be understood that these regulations serve an important purpose: to prevent illegal fishing and restore the ecosystem of Lake Sevan through the recovery of fish stocks.”