The Forest Fauna and Hunting Research Department at LVMI Silava has launched a study supported by the Nature Conservation Agency entitled "Otter background and Natura 2000 monitoring 2020–2023".

In 2020, the following main tasks are being carried out:

(1) surveying otter activity traces in 52 10×10 km squares across Latvia,

(2) otter monitoring in three Natura 2000 areas – Gauja National Park, Ķemeri National Park and the Lubāna Mitrāji nature reserve,

(3) registration and compilation of incidental observations/reports regarding deceased otters,

(4) organising a seminar to expand public participation in otter monitoring and to develop a network of reporters by voluntarily involving pond owners, hunters, anglers and the general public.