Export of Sig Fish Fry from Armenia Temporarily Banned

The export of sig fish fry from Armenia has been banned for a period of six months. This decision was made during the Armenian government’s meeting today. It will take effect on January 2, 2024, and will last for six months.

The justification for the government’s decision to impose a temporary ban on the export of sig fish fry stems from the necessity to ensure food security in the Republic of Armenia, to promote the sustainable use of biological resources in Lake Sevan, and to preserve biodiversity.

Consequently, the approval of this project is expected to improve the ecological balance of Lake Sevan, protect the biodiversity of the lake and its watershed ecosystems, enhance sustainable use of biological resources, and maintain a stable biomass of sig fish for industrial fishing.

The Armenian government also notes that the regulation of industrial fishing for sig in Lake Sevan has resulted in an increase in sig biomass over recent years. Specifically, the biomass figures have been recorded as follows: 2,668 tons in 2019, 2,345 tons in 2020, 5,348 tons in 2021, and 4,700 tons in 2022, allowing for a limited amount of fish to be fished commercially.

According to the relevant authorities, the trend of increasing sig biomass has not yet ensured the normal growth and optimal population of the wild fish species in the lake. According to some scientific data, the total stock of wild fish is up to 10,000 tons, while commercial fishing is around 2,000 tons or more.