Fishermen Claim They Face Major Social Issues That Require Solutions, Not Delays: Tovmasyan

Member of the 'I Have Honor' faction, Taguhi Tovmasyan, stated:

“A new vision for organizing and implementing fishing is a factor that contributes to job creation and employment. On October 20, fishermen from Gegharkunik region, feeling deceived, blocked the Yerevan-Sevan highway in desperation. According to the fishermen who approached me, the established quotas for fishing are very low, leading to significant social problems, and many residents are at risk of losing their only means of livelihood.

Considering the urgency of the issue, I urgently requested clarification from the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia. In response, I received information regarding the ministry's willingness to address the issue in a new way. The ministry is looking for solutions to regulate the issue with a new vision. Specifically, a new program for organizing fishing will be proposed, covering the entire chain of fishing, adopting a comprehensive approach from fishing to marketing. This will lead to job creation, employment, and the formation of stable income, ensuring a balance of social and economic interests, as well as environmental interests, sustainable use of biological resources, and organizing protection and reproduction, among other important issues.

It is still unclear what specific proposals the ministry will make, but I hope there will not be a decision that forces our fishermen to block roads again, as there was an attempt to resolve the issue last time, but it turned out to be only a partial regulation, which transformed into a social uprising. The issue requires solutions, not delays. In any case of resolution, it should be ensured that neither the fishermen nor our national wealth, Lake Sevan, suffers.”

Attached is the response letter from the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia.