"Given the tense situation": Karelian authorities have abandoned the construction of a fish farm in Kem following protests from residents.

Regional Ministry of Agriculture I wanted to highlight 22 hectares of land in the Kem River basin: according to officials, they are needed to fulfill "serious state objectives" for the cultivation of Atlantic salmon and whitefish.

However, residents of Kem opposed the idea. They claimed that fish farms pollute the water with uneaten feed and degrade the quality of drinking water. Furthermore, their activities lead to algal blooms in water bodies, killing aquatic life.

After more than 700 residents signed a letter against the construction of a fish farm, the deputy prime minister of the regional government Oleg Ermolaev announced the cancellation of the project.

“Considering the tense situation that has developed with the formation of the fish farming site,” He explained he.

The official also noted that when solving problems of national importance, it is necessary to “find a common language with local communities and residents.”

According to him, they will look for a new location for the fish farm.

Photo: Reflection Karelia