Our national value - small-sea fishermen

Who are small-sea fishermen? They are coastal and inland water fishermen who maintain and promote coastal fishing traditions.

The Director of Fisheries and State Aid Department at the Rural Support Service Rinalds Vacers, admits that fishing is becoming more and more difficult each year in Latvia, but small-sea fishermen still continue to fish on the coast.

European Union support programmes are available, where coastal fishermen can implement projects to improve and diversify their activities. It helps ensure income throughout the year. In recent years, seals have also destroyd fishing nets, so there are compensation for damage caused by seals.

It is important for the RSS to continue supporting fishermen. During the new programming period, coastal fishermen are expected to receive a new, targeted support measure for growth.

As the small-sea fishermen themselves say: “It is in the interests of all of us, the people of Latvia, so that we are and that fish is available to people. A fisherman, a coastal fisherman, is like the last of “Mohicans” - survivor. But the biggest achievement is that we are together. This work in the fisheries is satisfaction - it is our lifestyle."

Watch a video material where coastal fishermen talk about their daily routine, perseverance and temper gained at work.

(English captions available)

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