Armenia has taken decisive action to protect the fragile ecosystem of Lake Sevan by imposing a temporary ban on the export of sig fish roe. This measure, announced at the December 27th cabinet meeting, prioritizes food security, promotes the sustainable utilization of Lake Sevan’s biological resources, and aims to preserve its unique biodiversity. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and long-term ecological balance.
Recent regulatory measures governing industrial fishing in Lake Sevan have yielded positive results, contributing to a gradual increase in sig fish biomass. Data reveals a consistent upward trend, with biomass growing from 2,668 tons in 2019 to 3,974 tons in 2023. This positive development has allowed for increases in regulated industrial fishing quotas, rising from 300 tons in 2020 to a projected 679 tons for 2024. This increase in allowable catch demonstrates the effectiveness of initial conservation efforts.
However, despite these encouraging signs, the current sig fish biomass remains significantly below the optimal levels required for a healthy and thriving population within the lake. Scientific studies estimate that a total stock of approximately 10,000 tons, including over 2,000 tons allocated for sustainable industrial fishing, is necessary to achieve ecological balance. The export ban is therefore a crucial step towards facilitating the natural recovery and long-term sustainability of the sig fish population in Lake Sevan. This measure addresses the core issue of ensuring sufficient breeding stock for future generations.
This decision also takes into account the relatively recent implementation of industrial fishing regulations in Lake Sevan, the historical impact of human activities on the lake’s ecosystem, and the documented history of overexploitation of its biological resources. Establishing a robust and sustainable framework for managing these valuable wild fish populations and preventing potentially detrimental effects on the ecosystem necessitates a temporary halt to sig roe exports. This preventative measure is essential to avoid repeating past mistakes and to secure the long-term health and productivity of Lake Sevan’s fisheries. The ban directly addresses the potential for overexploitation driven by export demand.
