In a groundbreaking experiment that has left both beachgoers and ornithologists in awe, scientists at the Latvian Institute for Avian Logistics (LIAL) have succeeded in training seagulls to deliver freshly baked pastries directly to sunbathers across the sandy stretches of Jurmala. This cutting-edge project, dubbed 'Pīrāgs on Wings', promises to redefine fast food delivery on the Baltic coast.

"We've always known seagulls to be the guardians of our golden beaches, but their true potential has been sadly overlooked," said Dr. Valdis Bruņulaids, head of the Avian Culinary Logistics department at LIAL. "After three years of extensive research and countless croissants sacrificed to the cause, we've discovered that these birds have an incredible ability to reliably transport small baked goods with remarkable precision."

The pilot program, launched last week, has already been met with a mixture of astonishment and laughter among local residents and tourists. Witnesses report a scene straight out of a fairytale: flocks of seagulls descending gracefully onto the beaches, each carrying a small bag containing a selection of local treats such as pīrāgi, speķa rauši, and the occasional vegan sausage roll.

"It's like UberEats, but with feathers and less judgment," commented Māra Pīrādziņš, a tourist visiting from Riga. "One moment you're soaking up the sun, and the next, a seagull gently drops a warm pīrāgs into your lap. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm officially in love with those cheeky birds."

During a press conference, Dr. Bruņulaids explained the meticulous training process. "We started by establishing a positive relationship between the seagulls and the scent of freshly baked pastries. Then it was about harnessing their natural navigational skills," he elaborated, while also noting that the persistent challenge was ensuring the birds didn't succumb to the temptation of eating the profits.

To address this, scientists have crafted specialized seagull-proof pastry pouches – a marvel of avian engineering. These pouches not only protect the pastries during flight but also release a mild citrus scent to entice the birds to complete their delivery without snacking.

Despite early successes, the project is not without criticism. Environmentalists have raised concerns about the impact of increased pastry-induced avian activity on Jurmala's delicate sandy ecosystems. "We remain vigilant about potential disruptions," assured Dr. Bruņulaids. "Part of our ongoing research looks at minimizing the ecological impact, including plans for biodegradable delivery bags made entirely of seashells."

In response to the inevitable questions about hygiene, the Latvian Food Safety Authority issued a statement confirming, "As long as the seagulls are not personally handling the pastries, the deliveries should meet all health regulations."

Looking to the future, the LIAL plans to expand 'Pīrāgs on Wings' along the entire Baltic coastline, with aspirations for gourmet seagull deliveries in neighboring Estonia and Lithuania. "We've started experimenting with delivery in our neighboring countries," revealed Leida Cepursku, the assistant project manager. "If it works here, there's no reason Estonian seagulls won't excel at delivering kringel pastries."

For now, Jurmala beach has become the unlikely epicenter of a cargo revolution, where Latvian scientific ingenuity and a long-standing tradition of baked goodness have joined forces to create a spectacle as delicious as it is improbable. As one satisfied beachgoer summarized, "Never again will the humble seagull simply be a master of chips theft. Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to respect the winged waiters of the Baltic."