Abstract:

Environmental pollution, adverse spawning conditions, as well as intensive fishing and other factors have negative impact on fish stock condition not only in the whole world, but also in the territorial waters of Latvia. The negative consequences related to the environmental changes increase the role of aquaculture sector in obtaining alternative fish resources. At the global level, the aquaculture sector is evaluated as highly productive, competitive and environmentally friendly sector. The economic breakthrough in Latvia and EU is related to aquaculture sector. The competitiveness of the sector is largely determined by the financial stability of the enterprises thereof. The aim of the research is to evaluate the financial situation of micro and small enterprises in the Latvian aquaculture sector. On the basis of the opportunities provided by the financial analysis, the liquidity, solvency, efficiency and profitability of micro and small enterprises was analysed in the research, simultaneously reflecting the enterprises’ skills to form the capital structure and distribute financial means, and providing an insight into the need in structural reforms.  The results of the research may help the institutions, entrepreneurs and researchers involved in establishment and implementation of fisheries policy to understand and improve the common policy of the whole sector more successfully.