The Rate for Fish Species Will Triple: Details

Starting January 1, 2026, the rate for 1 kg of trout in Armenia will increase from 65 drams to 200 drams. This was announced today by Lusine Aveitsyan, Head of the Strategic Policy Department of the Ministry of Environment, during a press conference presenting the legislative changes effective from April 2025, which revise the payments for the use of biological resources.

"The aim of revising the payments for the use of biological resources is to give value to our fish species' resources," she emphasized. Aveitsyan reminded that the rates were last revised in 2006. She noted that rates for all fish species have nearly doubled, except for trout, where the rate has tripled.

Additionally, changes have been made to the payment procedures. Currently, payments are made for actual usage; however, from January 1, 2026, payments will be required for the allocated quotas. "If a person applies and receives the appropriate rights for industrial fishing, they may actually use a lesser amount. In other words, a mechanism has been established to ensure that everyone consumes as much as they need. This will be fair," she stated.

Aveitsyan also mentioned that currently, market prices for trout range from 1,000 to 1,500 drams. "Trout also addresses food security issues. I do not believe that the increase in rates will lead to a price rise for trout," assured the ministry representative.

Sevak Baloyan, Head of the Fisheries Management Department of the Ministry of Environment, added that from November 20, industrial fishing for trout in Lake Sevan will cease due to the spawning period. The ban will last until the beginning of February next year. "Only legal entities and individual entrepreneurs are allowed to engage in industrial fishing," he added. He also presented the studies conducted by the NAS in Lake Sevan from June to August, indicating a positive dynamic in the increase of trout stocks. Currently, there are 1,550 tons of commercial fish stock in the lake.