In Berzciems, "Tarotava", the seminar organized by the State Fisheries Cooperation Network "Challenges of Blue Economy for Balanced Development of Coastal Fisheries" took place. LIFE REEF project experts participated in the seminar to discuss current issues in coastal fisheries and share experience in promoting sustainable fisheries.

As part of the seminar, a ceremonial raising of the flag of the Republic of Latvia took place in the restored coastal fishing port of Berzciems.

This was followed by a speech by the Minister of Agriculture, Armandas Krauze, and answers to questions. Normunds Riekstins, director of the Ministry of Fisheries Department, informed about current developments in coastal fishing, while Dagnis Straubergs, head of the Association of Coastal Municipalities of Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRGA), spoke about the contribution of municipalities to the preservation of coastal fisheries.

The central part of the seminar was the panel discussion "How can coastal fishermen survive under the pressure of European greens?". It was attended by Saeima member Jānis Grasbergs, LLKC board chairman Martins Cimermanis, Didzis Ustups, head of BIOR's Fish Resources Research Department, Miks Weinbergs, deputy director of the Fisheries Control Department of the State Environmental Service, and Gita Strode, director of the Nature Protection Department of the Nature Conservation Agency.

Panelists discussed various issues related to the future of coastal fisheries, including the impact of the European Union's green policy, the allocation of fishing quotas and the implementation of sustainable fishing practices.

The participants of the seminar had the opportunity to see the photo exhibition "Baltic Deep Sea", which offers to get to know the amazing world of the Baltic Sea. The exhibition includes underwater algae, various fish, as well as alien invasive species

LIFE REEF project experts believe that this seminar was a valuable opportunity to exchange experience and discuss current issues in coastal fisheries.