Hoxha: Around 1.6 Million Young Trout Expected to Be Released into Lake Ohrid This Year

The Hydrobiological Institute in Ohrid was visited by Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Albrim Hoxha, along with representatives of the State Agriculture Inspectorate, Mirko Ukoski and Arbnor Arifi. During their visit, they observed the artificial breeding of Ohrid trout and preparations for releasing young fish into the lake.

The delegation traveled from Struga to Ohrid aboard the Ministry’s vessel. Dushica Ilić Boeva of the Hydrobiological Institute explained each stage of the process to those present, from roe and incubation to the rearing and preparation of the young fish that will be released into Lake Ohrid.

Data presented during the visit show that around 1.6 million young trout are expected to be released into Lake Ohrid this year. This figure is approximately 500,000 higher than last year.

Hoxha stressed that, following a six-year suspension under the previous government, which seriously jeopardized the continuity of this important process, the Government resumed trout breeding and the restocking of Lake Ohrid last year. He said the work would continue this year at greater capacity, emphasizing that the Ohrid trout is one of the lake’s most valuable natural assets and that protecting it is a shared responsibility.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy will continue its activities and institutional support for the protection, breeding and conservation of the Ohrid trout. This native species is regarded as one of Lake Ohrid’s most important natural assets.