Hoxha: 100,000 Ohrid Trout Being Released Now, Another 1.5 Million in September

The process of restocking Lake Ohrid with Ohrid trout began today. A total of around 1.6 million trout are expected to be released into the lake over the course of this year.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Albrim Hoxha, representatives of the Hydrobiological Institute of Ohrid, and members of the State Agriculture Inspectorate took part in the event.

The first phase will continue for around five to six days, during which 100,000 trout will be released. These fish are the result of artificial breeding carried out in 2025 and have an average weight of around 16 grams.

The trout are being distributed at several locations around the lake, specifically in Trpejca, Peštani, Radožda, Kališta, Ohrid and Struga. It was in these areas that breeding specimens were taken from the natural population in 2025 to secure the material needed for artificial propagation.

According to the plan, the second phase will begin in September and last around three weeks. During this period, another approximately 1.5 million trout are expected to be released, produced at the Hydrobiological Institute of Ohrid through artificial breeding carried out in 2026.

“In this phase, 100,000 trout are being released, while in September we will continue with around another 1.5 million. In total, around 1.6 million Ohrid trout will be added to the lake. This process involves a great deal of work and dedication throughout the year. The Ohrid trout is a treasure that we must preserve and increase,” Hoxha said.

The Hydrobiological Institute of Ohrid is the institution implementing the entire process under an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy. The activity is monitored by the State Agriculture Inspectorate and the Food and Veterinary Agency.