Fisheries industry honored at “Lielais loms 2026” awards ceremony in Engure

On Friday, August 21, the coastal municipality of Engure — a place of major importance to Latvia's fishing industry — hosted the awards ceremony for the Ministry of Agriculture's “Lielais loms 2026” fisheries award, now held for the twelfth time, recognizing the sector's top companies and employees.

Agriculture Minister Uldis Augulis noted that Latvia's traditional fisheries sector is export-oriented and generates high added value, while facing ongoing challenges such as rising fuel costs and growing European Union requirements. He said the quality of competition for the award confirms the sector will continue to play a meaningful role in the national economy.

Winners in six categories

An expert commission evaluated candidates across six nominations. SIA “Verģi” was recognized for growth of the year in fisheries, SIA “SpirulinaNord” for innovation, and ZVS “Silzviedri” for best in local fishing. The association “Latvijas Makšķerēšanas sporta federācija” received the award for contribution to promoting fisheries and water management, while Ralfs Rūdolfs Frišenfelds was named the sector's promising newcomer. Each laureate received the “Lielais loms 2026” award, a ministry diploma and a cash prize.

Lifetime achievement in fisheries

The lifetime achievement award went to Juris Dančauskis, founder of the fishing enterprise “Staģis-1”, who has fished in the Bulļupe river for decades. Since 2003 he has served on the board of the Latvian Fishermen's Federation and has long defended the interests of traditional coastal and inland fishing, opposing decisions he considered harmful to the sector. His transfer of expertise has helped sustain fishing on lakes Engure, Usma, Burtnieks and Lubāns, as well as Liepāja lake and the Daugava river. He has also helped ensure residents' access to fresh Latvian fish, including at Riga Central Market.

More information about the competition is available at www.lielaisloms.lv.