Local authorities won't allow exploitation of Ohrid Lake under concession

The Council of the Ohrid Municipality held a session today, which produced a recommendation to the Government to postpone concluding concession agreement for exploitation of the Ohrid Lake.

The Council based its decision on the fact that no biological justification for fishing of endemic trout species exists as no mechanisms for protection of the lake's fish stock are put in place, Makfax's correspondent reported.

The Council also suggested conducting a transfer of responsibilities encompassing fish stock protection to Ohird and Struga's local authorities.

The Agriculture Ministry announced last February a public competition for awarding concession license for exploitation of the Ohird Lake. Three bidders have submitted applications thus far, however, none of them delivered a plan for fish stock protection to the competent Hydrobiological Institute.