Government Imposes Temporary Ban on Exporting Carp Fish Eggs

The government imposed a temporary ban on the export of carp fish eggs from Armenia during its session on June 22.

The justification for the decision states that it stems from the requirements of the Republic of Armenia's food security, sustainable use of biological resources in Lake Sevan, and the preservation of biodiversity.

As a result of the regulatory process for the industrial fishing of carp in Lake Sevan, an increase in fish biomass has been observed in recent years (2668 tons in 2019, 2345 tons in 2020, 5348 tons in 2021, and 4700 tons in 2022). This has allowed for the implementation of limited quantities of industrial fishing in Lake Sevan (300 tons in 2020, 300 tons in 2021, 600 tons in 2022, and 300 tons in 2023).

However, the recent trends in the increase of carp biomass do not yet ensure the normal growth and optimal population of this wild fish species in the lake (according to some scientific data, the total stock is up to 10,000 tons, with industrial catch around 2000 tons and more).

Based on the above, it can be concluded that the Republic of Armenia still does not have a wild fish species whose fish eggs have industrial significance, as the continuous increase in fish species volumes is still necessary.