The Ministry of Environment to Increase the Number of Released Small Trout in Lake Sevan

The Ministry of Environment of Armenia will gradually increase the number of small trout released into Lake Sevan. This was stated by the Minister of Environment, Hakob Simidyan, during a press conference on January 15, discussing the summary of results from 2023 and reforms in the sector.

“In order to restore the ecosystem of Sevan, 231,000 small trout were released into the lake in 2023. We will increase this dynamic in 2024. Our goal is to release 300,000 small trout this year. Of course, we aim to increase the quantity every year. Starting from 2024, the Ministry of Environment will allocate 495 million drams to the foundation for the 'Restoration of Lake Sevan's Trout Resources and Aquaculture Development' and we intend to change the management model of the factory, with management also being carried out by the Ministry of Environment,” Simidyan detailed.

The Minister noted that quotas for commercial fishing of carp have been set by the agency for both 2022 and 2023. “However, unlike in 2022, the data for 2023 do not bode well, as enterprises or fishermen have applied for only a 390-ton allowance out of the 600 tons available. This presents an opportunity to analyze and evaluate the situation and we are currently assessing the causes of this. We are also evaluating whether these allowances support the protection of the ecosystem or if they open up new opportunities for illegal practices,” the head of the agency added, emphasizing that measures against illegal fishing have continued throughout the year, resulting in the removal of 919 crayfish fishermen from the water.

Simidyan mentioned that around 314 hectares of reforestation work was carried out in the country last year. “Out of this, 130 hectares were implemented with state budget funds, while the rest was covered by compensation funds. We aim to establish 1,000 hectares of forest,” the minister stated. He also noted that biological control measures against pests were applied for the first time in the forests last year.