Residents Call for Fishing Ban in Riga's Māra Pond After Cygnet Deaths

Residents of Āgenskalns are seeking to ban fishing in Māra Pond after two cygnets died there. According to 360TV News, the birds became entangled in fishing lines and swallowed hooks. Ornithologists from the association “Drauga spārns” are still fighting to save another cygnet.

The author of the initiative, Kristīne Skrīvele, stresses that the aim is not to target fishermen but to protect waterfowl in a place where such incidents keep happening. She says critics should consider the suffering caused by ingested hooks and lures. Although she is a fisherwoman herself, Skrīvele believes that banning fishing in the small pond would be justified to prevent further harm to swans.

The initiative is expected to be submitted to the public petition portal “ManaBalss.lv” in the near future, asking Riga City Council to introduce such a ban. The council, however, explains that an immediate ban is not possible, as it would require various approvals and amendments to legal regulations.

The municipality is also assessing options for cleaning fishing gear from the pond, but that process will take time and careful preparation. Riga City Council has promised to consult ornithologists and other specialists in the coming days to decide on possible solutions for protecting swans. The local authority plans to announce a concrete action plan shortly.