Sigut is Sold at Unreasonably Low Prices Due to Theft, Minister Details

The Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, Erik Grigoryan, discussed with journalists today the question of whether it will be possible to avoid the situation registered this year in Lake Sevan next year. He also spoke about the ban on fishing. The minister announced that initial steps have been taken regarding fish catch and registration, and certain amendments need to be made to the Tax Code.

“The overall goal is to ensure a sustainable fish stock and allow its catch so that fish can be continuously used, but not sold at these unreasonable prices of 200, 300, 400 drams, because it is stolen, and the catcher is trying to get rid of it as quickly as possible since fish is rich in protein. We need to provide a legislative framework, allow them to fish legally, and replenish the stock,” he said.

Regarding the “greening” of Sevan, Grigoryan mentioned that a similar situation is expected next year as well because Lake Sevan has been under numerous pressures for decades, with water levels lowered and raised, significantly impacting the ecosystem.

The Minister stated that there are two fundamental issues to resolve in Lake Sevan: increasing the lake's water level and decreasing the inflow of wastewater. “Naturally, we will not be able to achieve this next year, but we will be cleaning the coastal areas, and research will be conducted. We have studied biological treatment plants for three cities, and current work is underway. We cannot expect significant changes within 1, 2, or 3 years, but the steps must be taken correctly. For this, we expect the involvement of competent people. Algae are a consequence; the problem needs to be understood from its source,” the minister concluded.