This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 3 2025.
The fishing profession in Latvia is slowly disappearing not only for environmental and regulatory reasons, but mainly for economic reasons. In an interview with Neatkariga, Juris Petersons, head of the fishing company GRIFS, explains that the sector lacks stability, job security, and prospects. Although the vessels have the technical capacity to catch 6,000 tonnes per year, fishermen are only allowed to catch about 1,900 tonnes, so work is only available for six months. Wages range from €2,500 to €3,500 per month, but many experienced fishermen have long since moved to Scotland, where wages can reach up to £7,000. The competitiveness of the industry is also declining due to restrictions on European funds—aid does not match real needs, such as for replacing engines or hydraulics. In addition, fish prices on the market are low—sprats cost 40-50 cents/kg, herring 30-50 cents, and the fish itself only accounts for around 4% of the price of a can of sprats. At the same time, vessels are becoming more technologically sophisticated and the demands on fishermen are increasing. Young people are no longer choosing this route, while existing fishermen are ageing and leaving the profession.
