Vidzemes beaches had long been housing fishing industry. In 1945–1946 fishermen started joining into unions and in 1946–1948 into artels. There were 16 artels in Latvia, and 5 in Vidzeme — the largest being "9. maijs" (), "Zvejnieks" (), and "Brīvais vilnis" (). Fishing kolkhozes received funds for tool production and installation. Press reported artel "Zvejnieks" having twice exceeded their initial plan by skillful use of new equipment and increase of their fishing fleet. The first year following region's establishment, fishermen already towed a successful catch.