Inland Waters and Fish Stock Reproduction Division

Ruta Medne

Head of the Inland Waters and Fish Stock Reproduction Division
Email: Ruta.Medne@bior.lv

The Inland Waters and Fish Stock Reproduction Division conducts research on fish and crayfish in Latvia’s inland waters (rivers, lakes, and other water bodies).

The main research directions focus on assessing fish stock conditions, evaluating the natural reproduction of migratory fish, and analyzing the impact of fishing, angling, and environmental factors on fish stocks and biodiversity. The division collects and maintains data on fishing, angling, and artificial fish stock reproduction in Latvia. Scientific fishing conducted by the division’s researchers provides data not only on commercially significant fish species but also on the biodiversity of Latvia’s waters.

The division’s primary task is to assess the quality of valuable fish species reproduction measures. It conducts migration analysis of artificially reared and released salmonids in natural waters and evaluates the return intensity of salmon and sea trout.

The division maintains a database of tagged fish containing biological data, migration information, catch locations, and other relevant details. As part of the reproduction program, salmon and sea trout smoltification (maturation stage) assessments are carried out to determine the optimal time and place for fish release. The division also provides scientific expertise on aquaculture-related matters within its competence.

Specialists in the Inland Waters and Fish Stock Reproduction Division are responsible for assessing damages to fish resources caused by economic activities, conducting expert evaluations, and issuing conclusions related to these matters.