What Lies Beneath the Surface of Lake Kaņieris?
On August 29, we invite you to join a unique environmental initiative — the Magnet Cleanup at Lake Kaņieris.
On this day, we will explore the lake from a completely different perspective. Using powerful magnets, we will search for and retrieve sunken metal objects from the lakebed — fishing equipment, metal waste and other objects that have accumulated in Lake Kaņieris over the decades.
Why are we doing this?
Lake Kaņieris is one of Latvia’s most important habitats for waterbirds. Yet alongside its natural values, various objects left behind by people have accumulated in the lake over the years.
Fishing hooks, lures, fishing line and other metal objects can pose a threat to birds and other inhabitants of the lake.
“The idea for the Magnet Cleanup came about when we once again had to help a bird get free from a fishing lure that had become 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 organisation managing Lake Kaņieris.
Discover what the lake has been hiding
The Magnet Cleanup is about more than simply cleaning the lake. It is an opportunity to discover what has ended up beneath the surface of Lake Kaņieris over the years.
The finds can be anything from ordinary fishing equipment to objects whose stories can only be guessed at.
The most interesting finds will compete in four categories:
🏆 Oldest Find
🔎 Most Unusual Object
🎣 Biggest Catch
❓ Most Mysterious Object
Following the cleanup, the most interesting and valuable finds will be preserved and displayed in a public exhibition, helping us uncover part of the story of Lake Kaņieris.
Get to know Lake Kaņieris even better
The Magnet Cleanup will also be an opportunity to learn more about the lake itself.
During the event, participants will be able to take part in water quality measurements, explore the ecosystem of Lake Kaņieris and learn how human activities can affect the aquatic environment.
Join the Magnet Cleanup!
📅 August 29, 2026
📍 Lake Kaņieris
Participation is free of charge, but places are limited.Register here
Come on your own, with your family or friends. Grab a magnet, explore what lies beneath the surface and help make the lake safer for its inhabitants.
Who knows — perhaps your magnet will bring up a find that people will be talking about for a long time!
About the LIFE GoodWater IP project
The event is organised with financial support from the Small Grants Scheme of the European Union LIFE Integrated Project “Implementation of River Basin Management Plans towards 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, and the project partners — public institutions, municipalities, companies, research institutions and non-governmental organisations.
The project organisers are responsible for the content of the event, which does not necessarily reflect the official views of the European Union. The funders accept no responsibility for the information presented at the event or its use.
