World Fish Migration day at the river Mazā Jugla

World Fish Migration Day is celebrated around the globe to highlight the importance of free-flowing rivers and the protection of migratory fish species.

Unfortunately, free fish migration in Latvian rivers is affected by a large number of both historical and modern-day barriers. To mark this day in Latvia, partners of the LIFE RiverFlow project from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC), BIOR, and the association Baltijas Krasti gathered at the Mazā Jugla River in Līči, Stopiņi Parish. At this location, near the P4 road, there is a man-made barrier that serves no practical purpose but significantly affects the river’s natural flow and the ability of fish to move freely.

To help viewers understand the challenges faced by both fish and people at this site, the project team entered the river using boats and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), demonstrating the experience firsthand. If fish are stopped here and unable to continue upstream, they cannot reach their spawning grounds and complete their life cycle. Humans, on the other hand, have a choice: they can either bypass the obstacle or overcome it.

To draw attention to fish migration challenges in Latvia, a small informational seminar was also organized on World Fish Migration Day (23 May 2026) at the restaurant IndieJānis in Upespils, Ogre Municipality, located on the banks of the Mazā Jugla River. The venue was intentionally chosen because the river Mazā Jugla is one of the project’s pilot rivers and contains several migration barriers.

Thanks to presentations by Project Manager Linda Fībiga (LEGMC) and project partners Marta Utāne (Latvenergo) and Kaspars Abersons (BIOR), participants had the opportunity to learn about the current challenges facing fish migration in Latvia, ongoing efforts to improve conditions for fish, and the measures planned within the project to gradually restore river connectivity.

One of the highlights of the event was the enthusiastic participation of the younger generation. Children and young people actively took part in a quiz and listened with great interest to stories about rivers and aquatic ecosystems. Special thanks also go to the LIFE GoodWater IP project for its contribution to the event by engaging children and youth in educational nature-related activities.

As the event came to a close, nature provided an unexpected and beautiful surprise. Along the banks of the Mazā Jugla river, participants witnessed a remarkable natural phenomenon: the emergence of young dragonflies from their aquatic larvae. As they transformed into adults, they left behind their shed outer shells, known as exuviae. It was a powerful reminder that life along the river is constantly evolving.

Every one of us can help rivers recover by reporting barriers that affect rivers in our local surroundings and by supporting river restoration initiatives.

LIFE RiverFlow is a project funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. Its goal is to restore river connectivity in Latvia, improve ecological status, and develop solutions for sustainable water resource management. Within the project, several pilot sites—including this location beneath the P4 road crossing—are planned for the removal of significant migration barriers.