The Ministry of Agriculture invites fisheries and aquaculture companies, as well as industry professionals, to apply for the annual fisheries award “Great Catch 2026” (“Lielais loms 2026”). This year, the award will be presented for the 12th time. The aim of the award is to honour the most outstanding companies and professionals in Latvia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, while also promoting the development of the fisheries industry and highlighting its importance to the Latvian economy.
The fisheries sector — including fishing, aquaculture, and fish processing — plays a significant role in food production and the national economy. It contributes substantially to socio-economic activity in Latvia by ensuring food supply, supporting employment in the regions, and strengthening the country’s economic development.
In recent years, the application process for the annual “Great Catch” award has been significantly simplified. To nominate a candidate for the award, applications must be submitted by 26 June via the online application form available at www.lielaisloms.lv. Applicants are required to provide the nominee’s name and/or company name, location, email address, and telephone number (if available).
Nominees for the annual fisheries award “Great Catch 2026” will be evaluated in six categories:
“Growth of the Year in Fisheries”
“Innovation in Fisheries”
“Best in Local Fishing”
“Contribution to the Promotion of Fisheries and Water Management”
“Young and Promising Professional in the Industry”
“Lifetime Contribution to Fisheries”
In each category, the evaluation committee will select one laureate, who will receive the “Great Catch 2026” award, a diploma from the Ministry of Agriculture, and a monetary prize. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in late summer 2026.
More information on the regulations and evaluation criteria for the annual fisheries award is available on the official website: www.lielaisloms.lv .
