Jūrmalciems pier
On August 4, 1935, the Farmers' Day was widely celebrated in Nīca, with the attendance of Prime Minister Kārlis Ulmanis and Minister of Agriculture Jānis Birznieks. They also visited the fishermen of Jūrmalciems. Seeing their efforts in collecting seaweed (manure) to fertilize the sandy coastal fields, the visitors promised to allocate funds for the construction of breakwaters.
On November 26, 1936, Minister of Agriculture Jānis Birznieks approved the project for the construction of seaweed collectors - breakwaters - 150-200 meters long, built with a pile wall that would rise half a meter above the water level. The breakwater, consisting of 450 piles, was constructed from 1937 to 1938 with state funds. Other breakwaters, including Jūrmalciems, Klampji, and Bernāti, were built shortly afterward.
A "valgums" is a place on the seashore where fishermen store boats, anchors, fish baskets, and dry their nets. The names of the valgumi are usually derived from the nearest village, household name, or property surname.
Over time, the fishermen of Jūrmalciems have used the breakwater for tying up boats, and during the Soviet era, it became known by the local name "Pričals" (pier). The Jūrmalciems breakwater is the only one still in use among those built along the Kurzeme coast of Latvia.
In 2004, the wooden decking of the breakwater was renovated over a 70-meter stretch, but over time, it has been significantly damaged by the wind and waves.
Nowadays, visitors to Jūrmalciems often visit the beach and the breakwater, as well as the fishing boats with tugboats that are frequently moored there. The breakwater is still used by local fishermen, and several fishing brigades regularly head out to sea. Although the number of fishermen, the scope of work, and the volume of fish are not as high as they were decades ago, every year in July, locals and visitors alike celebrate Fishermen's Day. Information about the fishing traditions and history of Jūrmalciems can be learned and viewed at the "Piestātne" Fishing Exhibition in Jūrmalciems. Visits can be arranged in advance by phone at +371 26114601.