Cross-boundary evaluation and management of lamprey stocks in Lithuania and Latvia

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The project focuses on sustainable management of river lamprey stocks, the only exploited lamprey species in the Programme area with high local importance and of conservation concern in Europe. Their exploitation should be compatible with species favorable conservation status, while now this is impractical due to lack of knowledge of population structure and standardized assessment methods. The LAMPREY project aims to reinforce sustainable, scientific data-based management of this important natural resource. The project activities include: standardization of stock assessment methodology, based on classical techniques and new molecular approach (population genetic structure and environmental DNA analysis); implementation of specific measures to improve lamprey populations (identification of migration obstacle in 40 rivers, transfer of at least 3 thousand spawners over obstacles and release of several millions of larvae in at least 5 rivers of Kurzeme region); and development of the Strategy for sustainable stock management, which will be endorsed by Latvia and Lithuania. It will incorporate project results and best practice shared by leading experts in the pan-Baltic workshop on lamprey stock management. The results will be presented in three regional seminars for relevant stakeholders, in meetings with national officials, in an international scientific conference and through other dissemination channels (internet, media articles, brochures etc.). This will provide stakeholders with improved lamprey stock management solutions, promote local fishery traditions and regional economy, and encourage cross-border cooperation on management of environmental resources.

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