What Lies Beneath Lake Kaņieris? Join Us for Magnet Fishing

What has sunk to the bottom of Lake Kaņieris over the years? Fishing gear, metal objects, old and everyday items - perhaps even something whose story can only be guessed.

On 22 August, we invite you to discover it together through Magnet Fishing at Lake Kaņieris.

Caring for the Lake Every Day

Ecosoul has been managing Lake Kaņieris for the second year, taking care of its territory, monitoring the health of its ecosystem and looking after the well-being of its inhabitants. Magnet Fishing is an opportunity to continue this work together with people who care about Lake Kaņieris and its future.

On this day, we will explore the lake from a completely different perspective - not only observing its landscapes and birds, but also looking beneath the water’s surface. Using magnets, we will search for and retrieve metal objects that have ended up on the lakebed over the years.

Why Is It Important to Clean the Lakebed?

Lake Kaņieris is one of Latvia’s most important habitats for waterbirds. Its natural value is exceptional, but over the years, objects left behind by people have also found their way into the lake.

Fishing equipment is a particular concern - hooks, lures, fishing lines and other objects can pose a risk to birds and other lake inhabitants.

The idea for Magnet Fishing came from a very real situation.

“The idea for Magnet Fishing came about when we once again tried to help a bird get free from a lure caught in its wing. Unfortunately, in Lake Kaņieris, which is home to more bird species than any other lake in Latvia, we encounter situations like this quite often,” says Arta Kauķe, founder of Ecosoul, the company managing Lake Kaņieris.

Magnet Fishing is one way to help reduce these risks while also discovering what lies beneath the lake’s surface.

What Lies Beneath Lake Kaņieris?

Magnet Fishing is about more than simply cleaning the lake. It is an opportunity to become a treasure hunter for a day and uncover a small part of what Lake Kaņieris has been hiding beneath the water.

The catch might be something ordinary - a hook, a lure or another piece of fishing equipment. But a magnet could just as easily bring up an object whose origin and story are far less obvious.

To make the search even more exciting, the most interesting finds will compete in four categories:

• Oldest Find

• Most Unusual Object

• Biggest Catch

• Most Mysterious Object

The most interesting and significant finds will be preserved and displayed in a public exhibition after the event. Together, we will uncover another, previously unseen, part of Lake Kaņieris and its story.

More Than Magnet Fishing - Discover Lake Kaņieris Up Close

The event will offer more than the chance to search the lakebed. Participants will also have an opportunity to learn more about Lake Kaņieris itself.

You will be able to take part in water quality measurements, discover more about the lake’s ecosystem and learn how human activity affects the aquatic environment.

It will be a day to experience Lake Kaņieris from both above and below the water.

Join Us for Magnet Fishing!

22 August 2026Lake Kaņieris

Participation is free, but places are limited.

Register here: ej.uz/magnētu_talka

Come on your own, with family or friends. Bring a magnet, join the search and help make Lake Kaņieris a safer place for its inhabitants.

And who knows - perhaps your magnet will bring up a find from the depths whose story we will be trying to uncover for years to come.

About the LIFE GoodWater IP Project

The Magnet Fishing event is organised with financial support from the Small Grants Scheme of the European Union LIFE Programme’s integrated project “Implementation of River Basin Management Plans for Achieving Good Surface Water Status” (LIFE GoodWater IP).

The LIFE GoodWater IP project is co-financed by the European Union, the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development of Latvia, and the project partners — state institutions, municipalities, businesses, scientific institutions and non-governmental organisations.

The content of this event is the sole responsibility of the project organisers and does not necessarily reflect the official views of the European Union. The funders accept no responsibility for the information presented during the event or for its use.