Fishing industry of Russia

Main article: Russian economy

Black caviar (Russian market)

Main article: Black caviar (Russian market)

Red caviar (Russian market)

Main article: Red caviar (Russian market)

2024

A plant for the production of fish feed was launched in Astrakhan for 2.5 billion rubles

For the first time in Russia, the Fish Feed enterprise has mastered the production of high-fat feed for salmon species of fish, which became known on November 15, 2024 during a visit by the leadership of the Federal Agency for Fishery. Read more here.

In the Leningrad region, a farm for breeding crayfish was built for ₽1,2 billion

In the Leningrad Region, the construction of a farm for breeding crayfish "Petrovsky Farms" in the Priozersky District has been completed. This became known in mid-November 2024. ₽1,2 billion was allocated for the implementation of the first stage of the project, said Oleg Malashchenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Leningrad Region, Chairman of the Committee on Agro-Industrial and Fisheries Complex. Read more here.

34 billion rubles were allocated to finance the fishing industry in Russia in 2024

In September 2024, it became known that ₽34 billion were allocated in the federal budget to finance the fishing industry in Russia in 2024. This indicator corresponds to the level of 2023 and provides for additional investments in various areas of the industry, including the purchase of equipment and equipment for fishery, the completion of the construction of research vessels and financing of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Glavrybvod" for the conservation of aquatic biological resources.

According to Interfax, the head of the Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov noted that a significant part of the funds will be used to purchase equipment and equipment to strengthen the Fishery. In addition, funds are provided for the completion of the construction of two research vessels, the cost of which has increased, which previously hampered their construction. Also, funding will be allocated for the repair of rescue ships, necessary to ensure safety and effective control in the fishing industry.

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In addition to funding, the problems of the industry were also discussed. Shestakov stressed that the current market conditions and high investment costs associated with the implementation of new projects have led to a decrease in the profitability of some areas in the industry. The increase in the key rate also affected the financial condition of fishing enterprises, which, according to the head of the Federal Agency for Fishery, led to serious economic consequences. A decline in fish stocks in the Northern Basin has exacerbated the situation, dealing a blow to the economy of fishing companies.

When asked about possible measures of state support for fishermen, Shestakov said that no concrete decisions have been planned so far.

We are observing the situation, - he clarified, adding that, perhaps, this issue will be considered later, provided that the situation in the industry requires more substantive discussion.[1]

350 billion rubles spent on the construction and renovation of fishing vessels in Russia in 10 years

Over the past ten years, Russian fishermen have invested at least ₽350 billion in the construction and renewal of fishing vessels, which has significantly strengthened the capabilities of the domestic fleet and ensured more efficient development of fishing resources. This was announced in September 2024 by the President of the All-Russian Association of Fisheries (VARPE) German Zverev.

According to Zverev, the Russian fishing fleet has more than 1,000 vessels, of which 70% operate in the Far East. This makes it possible to effectively develop the resources of the region without damaging ecosystems. Fishing companies are not only building new vessels, but also modernizing existing ones, equipping them with modern equipment for deep processing of fish, production of fish oil and flour, as well as shock freezing of products.

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According to TASS, as part of the first stage of the investment quota program in the Far East and Pomerania, 25 fish processing factories worth ₽26,4 billion were built. These enterprises provide 8% of jobs in the Russian fish processing industry, producing deep processing products focused on the domestic market. Among such facilities stands out the plant on Shikotan, which has become the flagship of the Russian production of surimi, raw materials for crab sticks. Until 2021, this product was not produced in Russia, and processors were forced to import it.

Minister of Fisheries of the Sakhalin Region Ivan Radchenko noted that four modern fish processing complexes of waste-free production have already been built on the Kuril Islands, near the main fishing areas. As part of the second stage of the investment quota program, the construction of four more plants on the islands of Shikotan and Iturup was approved, the capacity of which will be up to 100 thousand tons of finished products per year. These plants will produce deep processing products such as fillet, minced meat and fishmeal.^[2]

Launch of a plant for the production of salmon fish fry in Karelia for 4 billion rubles

In the city of Kondopoga of the Republic of Karelia, a new plant for the production of salmon fry has begun. The project worth ₽4 billion was implemented by Inarctica North-West and is aimed at import substitution in the field of aquaculture. Read more here.

The Russian government approved the ban on fishing by Britain in the Barents Sea

In January 2024, the Government of the Russian Federation approved the ban on fishing by Britain in the Barents Sea.

In March 2024, the president Russia Putin signed a law denouncing the 1956 agreement allowing British sailors to fish in the Russian zone of the Barents Sea.

2023

Growth in shellfish production by 26.9% to 73,301 tonnes Top 3 buying countries

According to the analytical company TK Solutions, Russian enterprises produced 73,301 tons of mollusks in 2023, which is 26.9% more than in 2022. At the same time, the average annual increase in production for the period 2017-2023 amounted to 0.7%, as it became known in December 2024.

According to RIA Novosti, for the period from January to October 2024, the export of bivalves reached 22 thousand tons, an increase of one and a half times. The main importer was China, which purchased 84% of the total volume, followed by South Korea (6%) and Belarus (4%).

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President of the All-Russian Association of Fishermen German Zverev notes that Russia mainly produces commander squid, trumpeter and scallop. By November 2024, the volume of wild mollusk production amounted to 117.25 thousand tons, and grown - 72 thousand tons.

According to the Federal Center "Agroexport," by 2030 it is planned to increase supplies to 50 thousand tons. In the domestic market, sales are also growing: in the seven months of 2024, they increased by 19% in physical terms and by 25% in monetary terms.

The leading region for the production of shellfish is the Far Eastern Federal District, which accounts for 95.6% of all production for the period 2017-2023. In second place is the Central Federal District with a 2.3% share.

The head of the procurement department of PTK Ecor-Fish LLC Ramilya Alyakina points out the need to import some types of seafood due to limited domestic production. In particular, blue mussels of popular sizes are supplied from China and Chile, while the production of Black Sea mussels is just beginning to develop.^[3]

6.2% reduction in fish consumption

The level of consumption of fish and seafood in Russia decreased by 6.2% at the end of 2023, according to a study published in the spring of 2024. In parallel, the number of fish companies has decreased by 6% over the past three years.

According to TASS, Olga Shanaeva, deputy head of Roskachestvo, noted that only 42% of Russians use fish once a week and more often, which is 1.6 times less than five years ago.

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The decline in demand led to structural changes in the industry. According to the Kontur. Focus project, the number of manufacturing enterprises decreased by 2.9%. The largest number of closures occurred in 2021, when 578 companies left the market.

Anton Yakovlev, an expert at the Kontur. Focus project, points to the low margin of the fishing business and the long payback periods of fish farming enterprises, which can reach 2.5-3 years.

The structure of the industry is dominated by fishing, which occupies 45% of the market, fish farming is 32.8%, and processing and canning is 21.8%. The remaining segments occupy less than 1% each.

The Krasnodar Territory leads in the number of manufacturers with 950 companies, followed by the Sakhalin Region with 871 enterprises and the Primorsky Territory with 785 companies. In most regions from the top 10, there is a decrease in the number of enterprises, except for the Moscow region and Crimea.

The smallest number of fish producers was recorded in the Jewish Autonomous Region - 4 companies, the Republic of Ingushetia - 11 enterprises and the Chechen Republic - 19 organizations.

As of December 2023, 15,180 companies in the fishing industry were registered in Russia, which is 456 less enterprises than in January 2021. The main reasons for the decrease in fish consumption are the rise in prices and low awareness of the population about the benefits of fish products.^[4]

Cutting crayfish production by a quarter to 525 tonnes. Leaders

In 2022, Russian enterprises produced about 525 tons of freshwater crayfish, which is 25.4% less than a year earlier. This is evidenced by the data of the analytical company TK Solutions, which were released in November 2024.

The study says that the average annual increase in the production (CAGR) of freshwater crayfish in the Russian Federation for the period 2017-2022. amounted to 11.2%. The leading federal district of the Russian Federation for the production of freshwater crayfish (not products - Ural Federal District (share - 90.5% for the period from 2017 to 2022), in second place - Volga Federal District (share - 4.7%). As for the largest cancer producers among companies, the leaders are:

• «Poseidon»;
• "TBC IC";
• " Altai Cancer Farm."

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The leader in import supplies is Egypt (more than 73% in 2022), the leading supplier of freshwater crayfish is Toshkee Misr. In imports, the largest share is occupied by the segment of inexpensive products with a share of 65.2%, the main supplies of the segment from countries: Turkey, Kazakhstan, Egypt. The segment of the most expensive crayfish is represented by a share of 17% mainly from countries: Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore. 100% of the products of Russian exporters are bought by Uzbekistan, the largest buyer is UGMI Group Next.

According to the All-Russian Association of Fisheries Enterprises, Entrepreneurs and Exporters (VARPE) with reference to the data, in Rosstat 2021-2023. there was a tendency to reduce the volume of production of frozen products from aquatic invertebrates. From 1.7 thousand tons in 2021, the volume of production decreased to 1 thousand tons in 2023. At the same time, the production of ready-made dishes from crustaceans, mollusks and other aquatic invertebrates increased by 88% compared to 2022 and amounted to 1.9 thousand tons, the association added.^[5]

Growth in the production of farmed fish in Russia in 7 years doubled to 402 thousand tons

In the period from 2016 to 2023, the volume of aquaculture production in Russia doubled, reaching 402 thousand tons. This became known in early July 2024 according to the results of a study conducted by the Rosselkhozbank (RSHB).

According to Vedomosti, the North-Western Federal District (NWFD) has become the leader in the production of aquaculture among federal districts of Russia. For seven years, the volume of production in the Northwestern Federal District has tripled, amounting to 139.1 thousand tons in 2023. The district's share in all-Russian production increased from 18% to 35%.

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Within the Northwestern Federal District, the Murmansk Region took the leading position, producing 83.5 thousand tons of aquaculture, which is 21% of the all-Russian volume. In third place is the Republic of Karelia with an indicator of 38.2 thousand tons (10% of the all-Russian volume). The Leningrad Region also entered the top ten in the country, producing 13.8 thousand tons of aquaculture.

The second place among federal districts was taken by the Southern Federal District with an indicator of 86.7 thousand tons, and the third - the Far Eastern Federal District, which produced 84 thousand tons of aquaculture.

In the structure of commercial aquaculture production, the main species are salmon, carp, valuable hydrobionts (oysters, mussels, scallops and other mollusks and echinoderms), as well as sturgeon species. Producers focus on the demand of the population when choosing fish species for breeding.

The growth of aquaculture production is taking place against the background of a general increase in the production of fish products in Russia. According to Rosstat, in the first seven months of 2023, the production of fish products increased by 9% compared to the same period in 2022, reaching 2.6 million tons.

The main volume of fish products goes to the domestic market, ensuring the country's food security is an absolute priority, the United Press Service of the Federal Agency for Fishery noted.[6]

Growth in sales of freshwater fish by 35% to 764.5 thousand tons

In 2023, approximately 764.5 thousand tons of freshwater fish were sold on the Russian market. For comparison, a year earlier, sales of these products were estimated at 567 thousand tons. Thus, over the year, demand soared by 34.8%, as stated in the BusinesStat study, the results of which were released on March 25, 2024.

The published data takes into account the supply of live, ice cream, chilled, fresh, salted, cured and smoked fish, fish fillet, fish meat (including minced meat), brine products and other fish. Among the largest players in the domestic market are named "Russian Sea," "Oceanrybflot," "Inarktika SZ," "TD" Baltic Coast "and" Meridian. "

In 2019-2023, the industry showed uneven dynamics. The sale of freshwater fish largely depends on the availability of goods on the market, the volume of catch, as well as other factors. In 2019, sales of these products in the Russian Federation amounted to approximately 591.8 thousand tons. In 2020, a decline of 8.2% followed - to 543.3 thousand tons. This is partly due to restrictions on the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of catering establishments and, as a result, to a decrease in demand for fish.

In 2021, significant growth was recorded: sales of freshwater fish jumped on an annualized basis by 28.4% - to 697.5 thousand tons. And in 2022, the volume of sales fell by 18.7%, which is explained by a decrease in the catch and a decrease in the purchasing activity of Russians due to the deteriorating geopolitical situation.

The report also says that in the structure of sales of freshwater fish in Russia, the largest share belongs to frozen products - 53% in 2023. Freezing is the best way to store and transport such goods. The second most popular species is fresh and chilled fish with a share of about 20%.^[7]

Reduction in the volume of the fish and seafood market by 1.5% to 3.41 million tons

In 2023, sales of fish and seafood in Russia decreased by 1.5% on an annualized basis. The final result was approximately 3.41 million tons against 3.46 million tons in 2022. Such indicators are reflected in BusinesStat materials published at the end of March 2024.

Analysts take into account the sale of fresh, chilled, ice cream, salted, pickled and cured fish, various seafood, fish fillet and other fish meat (including minced meat), caviar, as well as fish cooking, canned food and preserves. Among the key players in the industry are named "Russian Sea," "Oceanrybflot," "Inarktika SZ," "TD" Baltic Coast "and" Vichyunai-Rus. "

In 2019, about 3.72 million tons of fish and seafood were sold in the Russian Federation, and in 2020 sales fell by 4.1% to 3.57 million tons. It is noted that the volume of sales on the Russian market is closely related to the demand for domestic products abroad - primarily in the Asian region. In 2021, the pandemic in Russia COVID-19 began to decline, unlike. With the China introduction of a large number of restrictions and requirements for imported products from abroad, the export of Russian fish and seafood to the PRC has become more complicated. As a result, the available volumes of products available for sale were sent to the domestic market, and sales in the Russian Federation in 2021 rose by 10.5%, reaching 3.94 million tons.

However, this was followed by a decline: in 2022, the volume of sales decreased by 12.2%. Negative changes in the country's economy and the weakening of supply restrictions to Asian markets led to a decrease in sales of fish and seafood in Russia. In 2023, negative dynamics remained. In general, as noted in the study, the volume of sales on the Russian market in the period from 2019 to 2023 decreased by about 8.4%.^[8]

Crab export growth by 19% to 85.6 thousand tons

In 2023, Russia supplied about 85.6 thousand tons of crabs abroad, which is almost 19% higher than a year ago, when the export of these products decreased amid sanctions. This was reported in mid-May 2024 by the Association of Shipowners of the Fishing Fleet (ASRF).

According to the organization, in 2023, relative to 2021, the export of Russian crabs increased by 14.1% (taking into account the carrying balances of products of the last period), which was facilitated by the redirection of supply flows to the East under Western sanctions.

According to the customs statistics of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region (APR), the volume of crab supplies from Russia to this region from 2021 to 2023. increased 2.1 times. In 2023, the Asia-Pacific states accounted for 98% of all crab exports from Russia, while in 2021 the figure was 54%.

China remains the leader in imports with 40.9 thousand tons of Russian crab products (2023 indicator) - about half of the total export of crabs from Russia. For two years, the supply of Russian crab to China increased 2.5 times. According to Chinese statistics, the share of the Russian Federation in the import of live crabs from 2021 does not fall below 65%.

The ASRF notes that the American fish market was in a difficult situation after it lost access to Russian products. According to official statistics disclosed by the US authorities, imports of finished products from crab to the country in 2023 decreased in physical terms by 17% compared to 2021, live crabs - more than three times. Canada remained the main supplier of such products in the United States.

In 2024, the APR countries continue to increase imports of Russian crab: in the first four months, the supply of delicacy to China through the Primorsky Territory increased by 15% compared to the same period in 2023.^[9]

Increase in production of semi-finished fish products by 3.2% to 103 thousand tons

In 2023, about 103 thousand tons of semi-finished fish products were produced in Russia, which is 3.2% more than a year earlier. In comparison with 2019, the volume of production of these products increased by 11% against the background of growing domestic demand in the Russian Federation, according to a study by the analytical agency BusinesStat, excerpts from which were published in May 2024.

Researchers included the following companies among the largest producers of fish semi-finished products in Russia: Vichyunai-Rus, Atlantis Group of Companies, Lina, Battleship, Miratorg Zapad, Nord Pilgrim, Polar Sifud Rush, Rybny Hit, Food Tim and Junior. Their shares are not named.

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Analysts divide fish semi-finished products into the following types:

• fish cutlets - semi-finished products from minced fish or fillet in the form of cake, chilled or frozen. This category includes fish cutlets, burgers, semi-finished fillet;
• fish sticks - semi-finished products from minced fish or fillet in the form of bars, chilled or frozen. Fish sticks belong to this category, crab sticks are not included in it;
• other fish semi-finished products - semi-finished products from minced fish or fillet of a different form. This category includes fish nuggets, strips, triangles, etc.

According to experts, the growing interest of consumers in fish semi-finished products pushes manufacturers to open new production sites, the main activity of which is the production of semi-finished products, including fish ones. These enterprises are often located near the source of fish raw materials or the main market for products. So, in June 2023 in St. Petersburg, Obonato FOODS (part of the investment holding JSC Obonato Group of Companies) began production of semi-finished products from fish caught in the Far East.^[10]

3.1% increase in revenues from the supply of fish and seafood abroad

Russia's revenues from the export of fish and seafood in 2023 increased by 3.1%, while in physical terms supplies increased by 16.8% (or 0.4 million tons), to 2.6 million tons. This is evidenced by the data of the Association of Shipowners of the Fishing Fleet (ASRF), published at the end of April 2024. We are talking about the export of fish, crustaceans, mollusks and products from them (including fish flour and caviar).

As experts explain, the significant difference between export dynamics in tons and money is due to sanctions, due to which the estimated average cost of a ton of fish products in 2023 decreased by 11.7%. At the same time, revenue from Russian exports of fish fillet and minced meat at the end of 2023 decreased by 5.9%, while the estimated cost of a ton of these products decreased by 6.3%.

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Not only has the value of fish fillet and minced meat exports decreased, its growth has slowed down. Earlier, in 2021 and 22, the increase was 46% and 50%. Export duties are discouraged from processing. Their cancellation for fish fillet and minced meat will partially remove the barriers to the development of deep processing, - said the President of the Russian Federation Alexei Osintsev.

According to the estimates of the Association of Shipowners of the Fishing Fleet, export supplies of Russian deep-processed fish products (fish fillet and minced meat) in 2023 increased by 0.4% - from 218.5 thousand to 219.3 thousand tons.

In 2023, the volume of exports of fish products from the Far East to the countries of the Asia-Pacific region (APR) amounted to 1.8 million tons, which is 10% higher than in 2022. The main buyers of fish and seafood of the Far Eastern Federal District were China and South Korea. The Far Eastern turnover of fish and seafood exports in 2023 reached almost $4 billion.^[11]

Decrease in industry profit by 13% to 136.1 billion rubles

At the end of 2023, the net profit of the Russian fishing industry amounted to approximately 136.1 billion rubles, which is 13% less compared to 2022. The recorded result has become the lowest since 2018, when the total profit of fishing, fish breeding and fish processing companies was estimated at 135.2 billion rubles. This is stated in the materials of the All-Russian Association of Fisheries (VARPE), published on April 22, 2024.

VARPE highlights several reasons for the decline in profits. One of them is an increase in the credit burden: from 2018 to 2023, the debt of fishermen on loans and loans increased sevenfold, reaching 920 billion rubles. The funds go to the construction of ships and coastal plants, as well as the purchase of quotas. Another reason for the deterioration in financial performance is the decline in prices for Russian fish products on the world market. In particular, in 2023, the volume of exports increased by 8.6% in physical terms - to 2.56 million tons, but in monetary terms there was a decrease of 5% - to $5.8 billion. Plus, the cost of production is growing. Due to the weakening of the ruble in the current geopolitical and macroeconomic situation, the costs of bunkering, ship supplies, imported parts and equipment, as well as fleet maintenance in foreign ports have seriously increased.

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At the same time, participants in the fishing industry in the Russian Federation in 2023 raised salaries and restrained a sharp increase in consumer prices. At the same time, the volume of tax deductions and social payments increased on an annualized basis by 44% - to 90.5 billion rubles, while average consumer fish prices increased by only 10%, amounting to about 227 rubles per 1 kg.

In 2023, Russian fishermen set a thirty-year record for fishing - more than 5.3 million tons of aquatic biological resources. According to this indicator, Russia is one of the five largest powers in the world. The self-sufficiency of the domestic market of the Russian Federation as of the end of 2023 exceeded 164%.^[12]

Imports of salmon to Russia in 5 years halved to 44 thousand tons

In 2023, the volume of imports of Atlantic salmon (salmon) to Russia amounted to approximately 44 thousand tons. This is almost half the result that was recorded five years earlier. Such data are given in the materials of the Fish Union, published on April 18, 2024.

According to the Vedomosti newspaper, referring to the published statistics, since 2023, due to the current geopolitical situation, the supply of chilled fish to Russia has completely stopped: salmon carcasses without a head and fillet. In 2021, the import of these products into the Russian Federation amounted to more than 15 thousand tons and about 2500 tons, respectively. Before the imposition of sanctions, the main suppliers of refrigerated products were exporters from the Faroe Islands and from Norway.

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Against this background, the share of imported salmon in the Russian market has sharply decreased. If in 2018 it reached almost 90%, then at the end of 2023 the figure was 35%. According to the Fish Union, all imported products come to Russia from Chile.

Market participants attribute the decline in salmon imports to several factors. In addition to Western sanctions, import substitution and high prices are named among them. In the current situation, Russian aquaculture enterprises were able to replace part of their imported products. Thus, leading industry players are building vertically integrated production in the Russian Federation, increasing the volume and setting up the production of feed and resin (salmon fry).

In the face of declining supplies of imported Atlantic salmon Russia , it increases the import of other species of fish and seafood. According to analysts, in Rosrybolovstvo 2023, the total volume of imports increased by 18% compared to the previous year and reached approximately 656 thousand tons. Key suppliers, in addition, Chile are,,,, and China Vietnam. Ecuador In Belarus India five Peru^[13]

The share of domestic oysters in the Russian market reached 70%

The share of domestic oysters in the Russian market in 2023 amounted to 60-70%. This was announced at the end of February 2024 by the head of the Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov at a round table as part of an international exhibition-forum in Moscow. According to him, oysters in the Russian Federation are produced in the Azov-Black Sea basin and the Far East.

As Shestakov noted, the annual production of valuable seafood, such as mollusks, hedgehogs, mussels, oysters and scallops, in Russia is about 84 thousand tons.

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Large-scale production of oysters in Russia was launched in 2014 in the Krasnodar Territory. By 2024, the geography of aquaculture had spread throughout the coastal territory of the country. Oysters in Russia are grown on special technical means (in cages, on collectors). They feed on phytoplankton - microalgae that live in seawater. Oysters do not need special feeding of additional feed, the volume of cultivation in a particular water area is limited by its feeding conditions.

Speaking about the development of aquaculture in general, the head of the Federal Agency for Fishery at the end of February 2024 said that the production of fish and seafood in this sector is about 400 thousand tons.

Over the past 10 years, we have more than doubled, the dynamics of annual growth is about 10%, "he said (quoted by Interfax), adding that by 2030 it is planned to reach a volume of 600 thousand tons.

Ilya Shestakov also noted that changes are taking place not only in the volume of the market, but also in its structure. So, salmon came out on top - the most popular product among the population, while in the USSR the leaders were cyprinid fish species. According to Shestakov, by the end of 2023, the level of self-sufficiency in fish products is more than 150%.^[14]

Russia increased annual fish exports by 12% to 2.2 million tons

Russia increased fish exports in 2023 by 12% compared to 2022 - up to 2.2 million tons. This is evidenced by the data of the Federal Agency for Fishery, published on February 12, 2024. Read more here.

Growth in the production of specially bred fish by 4.8% to 402 thousand tons

By the end of 2023, aquaculture production in Russia increased by 4.8% compared to 2022 and amounted to 402 thousand tons. The head of the Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov cited such figures in his congratulations sent on February 8, 2024 to scientific organizations of the industry on the Day of Russian Science.

According to Shestakov, aquaculture production has doubled over the past decade. In 2022, the volume of this market was measured at 383.5 thousand tons, Interfax notes.

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Aquaculture is the breeding and cultivation of aquatic organisms (fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae) in natural and artificial reservoirs, as well as on specially created marine plantations. The main types of commercial fish in Russia are salmon, carp, valuable hydrobionts (oysters, mussels, scallops and other mollusks and echinoderms) and sturgeon, the agency adds on February 8, 2024.

According to the joint press service of the Federal Agency for Fishery, commodity aquaculture is a driver of the development of the industry. Domestic fish farmers make an important contribution to the all-Russian production of fish products, providing the domestic market with fresh, live and chilled fish, as well as seafood. Especially important is the positive dynamics in the sector of popular salmon and valuable seafood, which meet the growing consumer demand in the context of import substitution.

In April 2023, the head of the Rosselkhoznadzor, Sergei Dankvert, said that the production of commercial aquaculture in the Russian Federation is developing at an insufficient pace, the potential of the segment, with its correct organization and support from the authorities, can be estimated at 1 million tons per year. He also recalled that in 2000-2004 the Russian Federation also produced 440 thousand tons of aquaculture per year.

China increased the annual import of live crabs from the Russian Federation by a third

At the end of 2023, Russia supplied 23.6 thousand tons of live crabs to China, which is 31% more than a year ago. In monetary terms, imports of these products increased by 17% and reached $755 million. This was announced in January 2024 by the head of the fisheries information agency Alexander Savelyev, citing data from the Shanghai Changing Island Fishing Port. Read more here.

Record catch of pollock in 25 years - 1.96 million tons

The catch of pollock in Russia at the end of 2023 amounted to 1.96 million tons, which is 3% more than 2022. This result was a record for 25 years, the Association of Pollock Miners (ADM) said at the end of January 2024.

According to the association's estimates, in 2023 the share of pollock in the national catch reached almost 36%, pollock is still the country's main fishing resource. About 32% of pollock catches in 2023 were processed into deep processing products. The production of fillet decreased by 24%, to 95.3 thousand tons, and minced meat, which is a concomitant product during its release, decreased by 39%, to 17.2 thousand tons. The total production of deep processing products decreased by 13%, to 173 thousand tons. At the same time, the production of pollock without a head increased by 8%, to 720 thousand tons, not made - by 30%, to 199 thousand tons.

Catch of pollock in Russia at the end of 2023 amounted to 1.96 million tons

The average catch of pollock per ship amounted to 7.1 thousand tons. Large-tonnage vessels showed higher results: from 19 thousand to 58.1 thousand tons of pollock per ship.

Last [2023] was not easy for our sector: sanctions pressure created uncertainty in sales markets, and the stagnation of final demand put pressure on price and demand, says ADM President Alexei Buglak. - Enterprises were forced to adjust production plans and reduce the production of products less in demand both in the domestic and foreign markets, primarily fillet.

According to Buglak, the most important event of 2023 was the launch of the first in Russia program for promoting the category brand of fish "Far Eastern pollock." ADM expects that the "rebranding" of pollock will increase the domestic consumption of the main commercial resource of Russia by half, to 35-38% of the catch, he said.^[15]

Russia became the leader in salmon production in the world - 609 thousand tons

Salmon production in Russia in 2023 reached 609 thousand tons, which became the largest indicator in the world. This was announced on January 23, 2024 by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation.

It is noted that the result of 2023 was the second in the history of Russia, the record salmon Putin was in 2018 - 676 thousand tons. The catch of aquatic biological resources in 2023 was the maximum in 30 years.

Salmon production in Russia in 2023 reached 609 thousand tons

As RIA Novosti was clarified in the Fish Union, Russia was ahead of the United States in terms of salmon production in 2023. And, with the exception of the lean 2022, the Russian Federation has been the leader in the volume of fishing for these fish species since 2018. And before that, the countries alternated in maximum catch volumes, the union added.

Vadim Toporov, an expert at the NEO consulting company, noted in a conversation with Forbes that, despite the large volume of salmon production, the price may decrease for the fish itself, but not for red caviar. He explains this by the fact that mainly red caviar is exported due to the high profitability of such supplies.

Supplies to the domestic market are limited, at the current rate - and due to the fact that the goods are export, their value is not set in rubles - prices on it are unattractive, and it will not be possible to reduce them even more, "Toporov said.

Pacific salmon are mainly mined by Russia, the United States (Alaska), Japan, Canada and South Korea. Since 2014, the most expensive salmon has been supplied to the Faroe Islands in the Russian Federation. However, after the start of special military operations, many companies refused to export to Russia. At the end of 2023, the United States banned imports of salmon, cod, crab and pollock mined in Russian waters. By the end of 2023, Chile is a major supplier of salmon to the global market, Kommersant notes. ^[16]

Russia halves seafood shipments to South Korea but remains biggest exporter

At the end of 2023, Russia halved the supply of seafood to South Korea, but remained the largest exporter. This was announced in January 2024 by the head of the fisheries information agency Alexander Savelyev, citing data from South Korean customs statistics. Read more here.

8.7% increase in fishing to 5.3 million tons

In Russia, at the end of 2023, fishing increased by 8.7% compared to 2022 - to 5.3 million tons. About 75% of this volume fell on the Far East. This is evidenced by the data of the Federal Agency for Fishery published in mid-January 2024.

At the end of 2023, 4 million tons were mined in the Far Eastern fisheries basin, which is 14.3% more than in the previous year. Thus, pollock caught 1.9 million tons (18.9 thousand tons less), cod - 114.3 thousand tons (21.3 thousand tons less), herring - 396.1 thousand tons (75.4 thousand tons less), flounder - 76.7 thousand tons (0.7 thousand tons less).

Fishing increased by 8.7% compared to 2022

The Russian catch of ivasi sardine in Prikuril waters in 2023 amounted to 544 thousand tons - this is an absolute record in the 21st century. The indicator of 2023 is 90% higher than the level of catch in 2022 (286 thousand tons). A significant increase in the volume of iwasi catch since 2020 is due to the emergence of high-yielding generations, as well as a significant "expansion" of iwasi accumulations into the exclusive economic zone of Russia in Prikuril waters, up to the water area of ​ ​ Kamchatka and the southern part of the Bering Sea.

According to statistics from the Federal Agency for Fishery, in 2023, 58 mining vessels of various types and tonnages participated in the fishery of sardine iwasi and mackerel - 42% more than in 2022 (41 vessels). More than 90% of ships (54 out of 58) worked as pelagic and diverse trawls, and 7% (4 vessels) used purse seines.

The Pacific Sayra mined 51 tons, one ship worked in the field. Climatic and oceanological changes have had an impact on the saira migration flow pattern in the northwestern Pacific Ocean: saira feeding areas have shifted far east, the department noted. According to the results of the fishing of Russian ships in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean in 2023, mackerel catch amounted to 15.5 thousand tons.^[17]

The Russian government introduced a ban on the import of finished products from fish and seafood from unfriendly countries

The Government of the Russian Federation introduced a ban on the import of finished products from fish and seafood from unfriendly countries. This decision, as reported in the Ministry of Economic Development, will free up certain market niches that will be filled by Russian manufacturers. The agency also indicates that the lack of foreign products on the market will lead to an increase in domestic production, expansion of the range and an increase in the number of jobs.

It clarifies that in Kommersant relation to products from fish and seafood, a ban on imports is introduced for items TN VED 1604 and TN VED 1605, which include ready-made and canned fish, caviar and its substitutes, ready-made or canned crustaceans and mollusks. According to the interlocutor of the newspaper on the market, we are actually talking about the expansion of the food embargo of 2014, when canned fish were not banned.

In Russia, banned the import of finished products from fish from unfriendly countries

The chairman of the "Fish Union" Alexander Panin, in a conversation with the publication, said that the ban on the import of canned fish should have been introduced for a long time. According to him, the share of such products from "unfriendly" countries in the Russian market is insignificant, the most famous category is Latvian sprats, and Russian companies will be able to replace the dropped volumes without any problems. The manager of the Dobroflot Group of Companies, Alexander Efremov, clarifies that imports in canned fish account for a small share and the measure is unlikely to significantly affect the business of local producers.

The Association of Shipowners of the Fishing Fleet says that their products should be a priority, and the proposals of healthy protectionism should be supported. The Federal Agency for Fishery added that an increase in the cost of imported products, including due to an increase in the currency exchange rate, usually led to an increase in the cost of local products and a decrease in the share of imports will exclude the factor of the negative impact of exchange rate volatility.^[18]

The average age of fishing vessels of the Russian Federation built abroad is 31 years

As of March 2023, there are 744 such ships in total, and this is more than half of the entire Russian mining fleet. A third of the fishing fleet built abroad is in the 31 to 35 age group.

Russia for the first time in 22 years refused to discuss with Tokyo the fishing conditions of Japanese fishermen in the waters off the Kuril Islands

In January 2023, Russia for the first time in 22 years refused to discuss with Tokyo the fishing conditions of Japanese fishermen in the waters off the Kuril Islands, which will negatively affect the catch in the coming months, Kyodo reported.

2022

Decrease in sales of herring ice cream by 9.8% to 270 thousand tons

The volume of the Russian market for frozen herring in 2022 reached 270 thousand tons, which is 9.8% less than a year earlier. Such data in the research company BusinesStat led in early December 2023.

According to experts, the situation in the market for frozen herring depends on the demand for it abroad - if there is demand, then the main catch goes abroad, and within the country there is less herring available for sale. If demand falls, then the released volumes of fish are forced to go to the domestic market.

According to experts, in 2022 in China, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic began to decline, most of the related restrictions on the import of products were lifted, as a result of which the Chinese market again became available to Russian suppliers. Since most of Russia's herring catch is in the Pacific Basin, for Far Eastern anglers and fish processors, the Asian market is closer and much more profitable in terms of transportation and storage costs than the European part of the country.

The researchers also pay attention to the active development of the African market in the Russian Federation. Even before 2022, Nigeria actively purchased Russian herring ice cream, and in 2022 the volume of supplies increased immediately by 60%. As a result, exports of frozen herring increased, and sales in the domestic market decreased. It is expected that in the coming years the demand for Russian herring ice cream abroad will continue, so there is no need to expect a significant increase in sales of this fish in the domestic market, the study notes.

The following companies were named the largest producers of herring ice cream in Russia in 2022:

• "Russian Sea";
• "Oceanrybflot ";
• "Kuril Fisherman";
• "Murmansk Trawl Fleet."

Their share was not disclosed.^[19]

Growth in the output of fats and oils from fish by 62.2% to 14.8 thousand tons

In 2022, 14.8 thousand tons of fats and oils from fish and marine mammals were produced in Russia, which is 62.2% more than a year earlier. Compared to 2018, the production of these products increased 4.7 times, analysts at BusinesStat calculated. Their data was published in October 2023.

According to the researchers, the rapid growth of fats and oils from fish and marine mammals in the Russian Federation is associated with an increase in the efficiency of using by-products of fish processing, which was facilitated by the construction of new capacities under the investment quota program. The Government of the Russian Federation has developed a law aimed at updating the production capacities of the fishing complex of Russia. Enterprises that receive fishing quotas must subsequently build a fishing vessel or crab vessel, or a fish processing plant. The first contracts for investment quotas were concluded in 2018. At the first stage (in 2019-2022), 14 onshore fish processing plants in the Far East and 11 plants in the North-Western region of Russia were put into operation.

The law on the second stage of investment quotas was signed by the President of Russia at the end of 2022. Within the framework of the second stage, it is planned to distribute 24% of the permissible catch of pollock, herring and other species of fish, as well as 50% of the catch of crab in the Far East.

The study also says that along with the increase in the production of fats and oils from fish and marine mammals in the country, there was a significant increase in exports of products (40 times in 2018-2022, or 7.2 thousand tons). Taking into account the commissioning of capacities at the first stage of the program, as well as plans to build new enterprises as part of the second stage, the production of fats and oils from fish and marine mammals in Russia will continue to grow. This will allow the country to enter self-sufficiency and continue to increase exports.^[20]

Decrease in fish fillet sales by 25.1% to 125 thousand tons

The volume of the Russian fish fillet market in 2022 amounted to 125 thousand tons, which is 25.1% less than a year ago. At the same time, in previous years, sales of these products increased, according to data that the analytical agency BusinesStat released at the end of October 2023.

According to experts, in 2022, crisis changes in the country's economy had a significant impact on demand. During the year, there were repeated price jumps for fish products due to sanctions pressure, increased logistics costs and increased production costs. Lower incomes combined with rising prices forced consumers to resort to savings and reduce purchases of the most expensive food products, including fish fillet, the study said.

It also says that thanks to the increase in fish production in Russia, domestic producers had the opportunity not only to cover the needs of the domestic market, but to increase the supply of fish fillet abroad. Improving fish processing technologies, improving quality and expanding assortment contributed to strengthening the export potential of Russian products. In 2020-2022, there was an increase in the export of fish fillet from Russia. At the same time, the most significant increase in supplies occurred in 2022, which helped cover the drop in sales in the domestic market.

The turnover of imports of fish fillet to Russia showed an increase in 2019 and 2021. In 2020 and 2022, there was a decrease in import revenue, which was mainly due to a decrease in supplies in kind. In 2022, fish fillet worth $362.4 million was imported into Russia, which was 10.2% more than in 2018. In physical terms, imports decreased by 22.5%, to 68.9 thousand tons.^[21]

Decline in shrimp sales by 26% to 66.9 thousand tons

The volume of the Russian shrimp market in 2022 amounted to 66.9 thousand tons, which is 26% less than a year earlier. Such data in July 2023 was reported by BusinesStat analysts.

According to them, sales of shrimp in the Russian Federation fell sharply due to prices for these products that increased by 19.4%, which, in turn, was caused by an increase of 15.5% in the cost of imports in dollar terms. Foreign products prevail on the Russian shrimp market: in 2018-2022, its share averaged about 85% - therefore, the import price has a significant impact on domestic prices. In 2022, the price of shrimp in the world was high, which was affected by the growing cost of marine fuel, high freight rates and logistics failures, the researchers noted.

It also follows from the BusinesStat report that in 2019-2021. sales of shrimp in Russia increased at a high rate, by 18.7-26.7% per year. The reason for the growth was a change in the culture of seafood consumption among Russians. Shrimp rich in vitamin D and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids saw a growing demand from health food adherents. The increase in shrimp sales was also facilitated by the growing popularity of Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where this product is the ingredient in many dishes.

More than 60% of shrimp produced in Russia is exported. The main volume of Russian shrimp catch falls on the Far Eastern seas, and the main export destinations are the countries of the Asia-Pacific region: South Korea, Japan, China. In 2018-2022 export dynamics repeated the dynamics of shrimp fishing in Russia: significant growth in 2019 with a subsequent decrease in 2020-2022. In 2022, the export of shrimp from the country decreased by 13.4%, to 9.7 thousand tons. The main reason for the drop in exports was the reduction in supplies to Ukraine and South Korea.^[22]

The production of crab sticks in Russia began to decline after two years of growth

The production of crab sticks in Russia in 2022 decreased by 2.9% compared to 2021 - to 59.3 thousand tons. At the same time, in 2020-2021. the production of these products increased. Such data are provided in a study that BusinesStat analysts published in July 2023.

The fall of the Russian crab stick market was partly due to the departure of foreign manufacturers. Among them is the Lithuanian company Viciunai Group. The company owned the Vichyunai-Rus plant in Sovetsk, Kaliningrad Region, where products under the VICI trademark were produced, including crab sticks. From March 7, 2022, the Viciunai Group stopped investing in Russian business, logistics and trade, stopped all sponsorship and marketing campaigns. Production at the Sovetsk plant was carried out on raw materials, which were purchased until March. In the summer of 2022, the company completely stopped its activities in Russia.

A 2022 study by BusinesStat states that the Russian market for crab sticks is in development. There are fewer than 10 producers in the country. At the same time, if in Europe, according to the standard, crab sticks should contain at least 40% surimi (fish mince), then in Russia the average figure is only 10%. And in the inexpensive segment of STM, the percentage of surimi content in crab sticks does not exceed 7%. The remaining raw material is mainly starch.

In 2022, export supplies of crab sticks from Russia decreased immediately by 44.2% to 3.2 thousand tons. Until 2022, the main foreign buyers of Russian crab sticks were Kazakhstan (53.8%), Ukraine (24.2%) and Moldova (13.1%). In connection with the military conflict, supplies to Ukraine decreased by 1.2 thousand tons by the end of 2022. At the same time, the export of crab sticks to Kazakhstan decreased - also by 1.2 thousand tons.^[23]

Turnover growth by 7% to 866 billion rubles

At the end of 2022, the turnover of Russian enterprises engaged in fishing, fish farming and processing of aquatic biological resources reached 866 billion rubles, which is 7% more than a year earlier, when the indicator was measured 808 billion rubles. At the same time, the financial balanced result (profit before taxes minus losses) during this time decreased from 230 billion to 158 billion rubles. Such data in May 2023 were led by the Federal Agency for Fishery.

As explained in the department, the decrease in profit by 30% was due to a sharp increase in the cost of production. The point is that the supply of spare parts and components through third countries has risen in price. In addition, the influence of anti-Russian sanctions led to a decrease in profits for the most profitable players.

The turnover of Russian fishing enterprises reached 866 billion rubles

The All-Russian Association of Fisheries (VARPE) also pointed out another factor that influenced the costs of enterprises: marine fuel, which accounts for up to 30% of the cost of production, has doubled in price. If at the end of 2021 the prices for naval fuel oil and low-sulfur fuel were at the level of $500 and $650 per ton, respectively, then in May - June of this year there was a peak value - $846 (+ 69.2%) and $1,164 per ton (+ 79.1%). In the fourth quarter of 2022, the cost of low-sulfur marine fuel remained high - at the level of $690-830 per ton. But for naval fuel oil, there is a significant price reduction to $445-535, the association added.

Analysts felt that crab production was hardest hit. At the same time, it was for Russian fishermen that crabs were the most marginal watercolor. Therefore, the restriction of supplies led to the fact that from the average 95-96 thousand tons at the end of 2022, supplies fell to 59 thousand tons. Despite the fact that there is a gradual reorientation of the supply market, profits fell very much.^[24]

Pollock imports to Russia decreased 10.7 times to 158 tons

Pollock imports to Russia in 2022 decreased by 10.7 times compared to 2021 and amounted to 158 tons. This is evidenced by the data of the Association of Pollock Miners (ADM), which were released at the end of February 2023.

According to Vedomosti, the supply of pollock products to the Russian Federation at the end of 2022 was the lowest since 2014, when 126 times more were imported into the country - about 20,300 tons of pollock and surimi (raw materials for the production of fish products).

Pollock imports to Russia in 2022 decreased by 10.7 times

According to ADM President Alexei Buglak, foreign pollock products in 2022 accounted for only 0.08% of the total domestic market in Russia, so we can say that Russian companies were able to completely replace foreign players. At the same time, in 2014, the share of external supplies was more than 13%, he recalled. According to the association, in 2022, Russian fishermen brought 183 thousand tons of pollock products to the domestic market.

The level of production and processing of pollock really increased significantly, this made it possible to replace a significant share of imports, the representative of the Federal Agency for Fishery confirmed. According to the agency, this is the most massive fish in the country in terms of prey.

In 2022, its catch amounted to 1.9 million tons, while in total Russian fishermen mined 4.7 million tons of fish. Domestic companies were able to produce 987,000 tons of pollock ice cream, fillet, minced meat and surimi, which is 8% more than in 2021, according to ADM.

The stable price of Russian fish and fish products also contributed to the substitution of imports, Buglak said. According to the ADM, on average in 2022, pollock ice cream cost 85-90 rubles/kg, and by the end of the year it even fell in price to 75-80 rubles/kg. The price of block fillets has been kept at 210 rubles/kg for three years, Buglak added.^[25]

Increase in fish exports by 4.5%, to 2.15 million tons

In 2022, Russia supplied about 2.15 million tons of fish products abroad, which is 4.5% more than a year earlier. Such data were published by the Federal Agency for Fishery on February 20, 2023.

According to the ministry, Russia is one of the five world leaders in fishing and one of the ten largest suppliers of fish to the world market, and also has significant potential to increase production. Russian fishermen harvest about 5 million tons of fish and invertebrates annually, the Federal Agency for Fishery said.

Russian fishermen catch 5 million tons of fish a year

The ministry added that by February 2023, a lot of work is underway to diversify export supplies of Russian fish products, including by expanding the geography of exports, in this regard, the countries of the Persian Gulf, Africa, Southeast Asia have great potential.

On January 17, 2023, Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries Vasily Sokolov told reporters that in 2022 the Russian Federation exported more than 1 million tons of fish, the main country of export is China. In addition, the list of buyers of Russian fish products includes the Netherlands, Japan and Nigeria, as well as Belarus.

The United States closed completely to import Russian fish products. Europe has not yet closed, but has imposed a number of restrictions... Although there were difficulties last [2022] due to the fact that there were tough covid [COVID-19] restrictions, they have now been lifted. In principle, our exporters are satisfied with this event, - he noted

According to Sokolov, the Russian Federation is developing a digital ecosystem together with Chinese importers in order to digitally issue permits for export.

But in general, the main goal is to saturate the domestic market. We see good dynamics. The domestic market is interesting for our fishermen and aquaculturists. We continue to develop aquaculture, "he added.[26]

Reduction in the profit of fishing enterprises of the Russian Federation by 16%

The profit of fishing enterprises in Russia in 2022 amounted to 195.5 billion rubles, which is 16% less than a year earlier. This was reported at the end of December 2022 by the All-Russian Association of Fisheries (VARPE). According to its analysts, the turnover in the market in 2022 increased by 16% and reached 919.23 billion rubles.

VARPE President German Zverev associates the decline in profits with an increase in the costs of fishing enterprises. According to him, companies are faced with an almost double rise in the cost of marine fuel, which accounts for up to 30% of the cost of fish products. If at the end of 2021 the prices for naval fuel oil and low-sulfur fuel were at the level of $500 and $650 per ton, respectively, then in May-June they rose in price to $846 and $1164.

The profit of fishing enterprises fell due to rising costs and the strengthening of the ruble exchange rate

Another reason is the low volume of salmon production, as well as a decrease in fish supplies to Korea and the United States due to sanctions restrictions, Zverev added. According to the Federal Agency for Fishery, by the end of 2022, 271,000 tons of salmon were mined in Russia against 453,000 tons a year earlier.

Zverev noted that the consequences of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continued to exert negative pressure on the fishing industry in Russia. We are talking not only about the subsidence of the sales market, but also about a sharp increase in production costs of enterprises - for example, for logistics, freight and antique events, he explained.

The decline in profits of enterprises in the fishing industry occurs despite the growth of their revenue. Thus, its growth at the end of 2022 in the report is estimated at 18%, to 589.03 billion rubles, and the turnover in the type of activities "Processing and canning of fish, crustaceans and mollusks" increased by 12%, to 330.2 billion rubles.

According to the type of activity "Processing and canning of fish, crustaceans and mollusks," Russian enterprises in 2022 recorded profits of 41.8 billion rubles, which is 2% more than a year ago.^[27]

Reduction in imports of fish products by 31% to $1.819 billion

Imports of fish products to Russia in 2022 decreased by 31.3% of the year and amounted to 387 thousand tons worth over $1.819 billion - the All-Russian Association of Fisheries.

Oyster production in Kuban decreased 1.9 times due to sanctions on the import of planting material

The production of oysters in the Kuban in 2022 decreased 1.9 times due to sanctions on the import of planting material, which was fully imported from Europe.

Rising salmon supply from Iran and Turkey instead of Faroe Islands and Norway

The Rosselkhoznadzor in January 2023 reported that after the cessation of supplies to Russia of imported salmon from the Faroe Islands and from Norway in 2022, imports of red fish from Iran and Turkey increased. In addition, salmon is traditionally supplied in large volumes from Chile - more than 33 thousand tons per year. Also, the Russian Federation has increased its own production of salmon.

Reduced production of canned fish due to rising cost of raw materials and withdrawal of unscrupulous suppliers from the market

In Russia, according to the results of 11 months of 2022, 510.4 million cans of canned fish were produced - 4.6% less than released in the same period a year earlier.

During this time, the production of canned meat increased by 28% to 742.1 million cans, fruit and vegetable - by 5.1% to 5.9 billion cans, condensed milk - by 0.6% to 614.6 million cans.

The decrease in the production of canned fish is associated with a decrease in consumption amid rising prices for raw materials. Saira has risen in price by 3 times over the past three years, and the cost of pink salmon in 2022 alone has increased by 2 times compared to the year before last.

Suppliers in 2022 increased the cost of canned fish, explaining this by the rise in the cost of raw materials, which is why the population began to choose cheaper protein (chicken or pork). The average cost of natural canned fish in oil from January to November 2022 increased by 17.4% to 531.7 rubles. for 1 kg.

The decrease in production may also be due to the low level of catch of pink salmon in 2022. In total, 271,000 tons of salmon were mined in 2022, 70% of which are in pink salmon. A year earlier, this figure was over 539,000 tons.

Dobroflot Group of Companies, the largest producer of canned fish in Russia, associates a decrease in the volume of canned food production with the identification by the Rosselkhoznadzor and Rospotrebnadzor of cases of substitution of raw materials. Unscrupulous producers are laying cheaper herring in banks instead of expensive saira. The difference in price between these types of fish can be 4-5 times. These Mercury systems (traceability system of products subject to veterinary control) make it possible to see that one of the market participants issued canned saira food, while herring came to production as raw materials. When such cases are identified, information is sent to law enforcement agencies and Rospotrebnadzor, which take measures, including the seizure of such products. This subsequently led to a reduction in production by unscrupulous participants.

The Government of the Russian Federation allowed the import of vitreous larvae of the European river eel

In November 2022, the Government of the Russian Federation allowed the import of vitreous larvae of the European river eel, excluding them from the food embargo. The government has previously withdrawn planting fish material from under the prodembargo, which is used in the Russian Federation for the development of aquaculture. Last year, the import of Atlantic salmon fry (salmon), trout, turbot flounder, common laurel, a hybrid of African clarium catfish was allowed.

Ministry of Industry and Trade launches digital marking of red caviar

The experiment on the labeling of sturgeon and salmon caviar in Russia will begin on November 1, 2022 and will last until August 31, 2023. This is stated in the corresponding draft government decree developed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Read more here.

2021

Russian fish spending increased by 7.5%, but its consumption decreased

In 2021, the average spending of Russians on fish amounted to 2128 rubles per person, which is 7.5% more than a year earlier. At the same time, fish consumption decreased - from 15 to 14 kg, according to data published on April 14, 2022 by the head of the fisheries information agency Alexander Savelyev.

According to him, the average price of fish products in 2021 increased to 152 rubles per 1 kg from 132 rubles in 2020. The recommended fish consumption rate for humans by the Ministry of Health is 22 kg per year, Savelyev said.

In 2021, the average spending of Russians on fish amounted to 2128 rubles per person, which is 7.5% more than a year earlier.

He explained the decrease in fish consumption in the Russian Federation by the deterioration in the financial condition of the fisheries complex: in 2021, industry profits decreased by 14% compared to the previous year. Payables of enterprises in the fishing industry exceeded 550 billion rubles, which is 80% of annual industry revenue, the expert added.

According to the calculations of the Federal Agency for Fishery, the volume of catch in the Russian Federation in 2021 increased by 1.5% compared to the figure for 2020 and amounted to a record 5.05 million tons. As explained in Rosrybolovstvo, this figure was also higher than the record catch of 2018, when domestic fishermen first overcame the bar of 5 million tons (a record figure since 1992).

Together, despite the challenges and restrictions associated with the pandemic, we have achieved a good result. Fishermen reoriented to the domestic market, and also quickly diversified export supplies, which made it possible not to reduce the rate of catch on the main objects of thought - said the head of the Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov, whose words are quoted in the message of the department.

He added that a significant contribution to the total catch of 2021 was provided by salmon putin, the extraction of Pacific herring, the resumption of large-scale fishing for Caspian sprats, an increase in cod and haddock in the Northern basin and sprat in the Azov-Black Sea basin.^[28]

Production of oysters and mussels in Russia for 2 years increased by 57.8%

In 2021, 8.3 thousand tons of mussels and oysters were produced on Russian farms, which is 57.8% more than in 2019 (5.2 thousand), when there was no COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. This is evidenced by the data of the Federal Agency for Fishery, published in February 2022.

Oyster production in Russia in two years increased by 38.7%, to 4.6 thousand tons, and mussels - by 89.7%, to 3.7 thousand tons. The growth of the market has been observed for more than five years. According to the Federal Agency for Fishery, the import substitution policy and the improvement of the regulatory framework in this area allowed Russian businessmen to increase the production of mussels and oysters. Until 2014, oysters and mussels were usually imported to Russia from Europe.

Russia in a pandemic has increased the production of oysters

As RBC notes with reference to a study by the Federal Agency for Fishery, only 212 tons were grown in Crimea, the second largest producing region, in 2021 - four times less than in 2019 (922 tons). In the Krasnodar Territory, production fell by 47.2% in two years - from 36 to 19 tons. The indicators increased only Sevastopol: there oysters in 2021 were grown 2.6 times more than two years ago (101 tons).

According to the Federal Agency for Fishery, the main production of oysters still falls on the Primorsky Territory - 4200 tons in 2021, an increase of 84% in two years.

German Zverev, President of the All-Russian Association of Fisheries (VARPE), noted that the demand for oysters and mussels in Russia in 2021 increased, this was influenced by the revival of the restaurant sector, the development of domestic tourism and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to tourist restrictions caused by the pandemic, "Russians have grown the need to go to restaurants, as well as to please themselves with" vacation "food," he said.

Zverev added that the introduction of restrictions on the import of seafood into Russia from the European Union opened a "window of opportunity" for Russian entrepreneurs. They began to develop mariculture and "successfully coped with the task of import substitution," avoiding a shortage of popular seafood.^[29]

Shrimp imports to Russia increased by 69.3%, to 84 thousand tons

In 2021, a total of 84 thousand tons of shrimp were imported into Russia from abroad, which is 69.3% more than a year earlier. In comparison with 2019, the import of these products almost doubled - then it was measured at 44.85 thousand tons. This is evidenced by the data of the All-Russian Association of Fisheries (VARPE).

Deliveries of foreign shrimp to the Russian Federation in money at the end of 2021 amounted to $485.3 million, which is 89.6% higher than the result of a year ago. In 2019, it was about the amount of $271 million. Thus, the average cost of imported shrimp since 2019 has decreased by about 4.5%, to $5.77 thousand per 1 ton, notes Kommersant"" with reference to the VARPE data.

Shrimp imports to Russia in 2021 increased by 69.3%, to 84 thousand tons

Imports of tiger shrimp in 2021 increased by 119%, Pacific white shrimp - by 51%, northern shrimp - by almost 50%, langoustines - by 32% in annual terms, the newspaper was told in Rosrybolovstvo. The department also said that the demand for shrimp has increased around the world, and not only in Russia.

The Auchan newspaper reported that in 2021, sales of shrimp in retail outlets of the chain increased by a third in physical terms. This is because shrimp are easier to cook than fish and are also considered a healthy product.

Experts note that in 2021 the market won back the decline in imports, which began in 2014 due to the devaluation of the ruble and the food embargo. Russia managed to find suppliers from countries that did not fall under sanctions from the Russian side.

At the same time, the Fish Union reported that fish consumption in Russia is decreasing. So, in 2021, it decreased by 2 kg, to 13.3 kg per person per year. The Federal Agency for Fishery does not agree with the estimates, noting that consumption has been growing since 2017, and in 2020 there were 22.2 kg of fish per person.^[30]

Pollock production in Russia increased by 52%, to 123 thousand tons

In 2021, 123 thousand tons of fillet and minced pollock were produced in Russia, which is 52% more than a year earlier, when the indicator was measured 81 thousand tons. Such data were published on January 24, 2022 by the Association of Pollock Miners (ADM), which includes 35 fishing enterprises, which account for more than 45% of the total catch of all types of aquatic biological resources in Russia, as well as 78% of pollock catch in Russia and about 41% of the world catch of this type of fish.

The association noted that in 2021 more than 26 thousand tons of pollock products of deep processing were produced at the coastal plants of the Far East. Thus, the total production volume increased to 150 thousand tons.

Pollock production in Russia in 2021 soared by 52%

According to ADM President Alexei Buglak, in the coming years in Russia, the production of deep freezing products will only grow. In particular, the conversion of the fleet will contribute to this. If in 2020 there were 30 filer ships, in 2021 their number increased to 34, and in 2022 the grouping of these ships may increase to 40.

Mintai is the main commercial resource of Russia with a share in the national catch of 35%. In 2021, its catch amounted to 1.721 million tons, a decrease of 5.8% compared to the catch of 2020.

According to the ADM, the restrictions on the supply of Russian fish to China in force in 2021 cost Russian fishing companies that extract pollock about $400 million in losses.

Alexey Buglak says that in 2021, under the influence of difficulties with the supply of pollock to the PRC and low world prices for this type of product, Russian fishermen significantly increased their production at sea. The growth in the production of sea-frozen fillet and minced meat was due to a reduction in the production of head-less pollock ice cream.^[31]

2020

Exports of Russian caviar doubled in 5 years

In 2020, exports of Russian caviar reached 1,213 tons, which is 12% more than a year earlier, and almost twice the figure five years ago. Such data in June 2021 were provided by the Center for Industry Expertise of Rosselkhozbank.

Andrei Dalnov, head of the Center for Sectoral Expertise of Rosselkhozbank, linked the high dynamics with an increase in export supplies of white caviar: at the end of 2020, it grew by 25%, to 663 tons. In 2021, this type of caviar will retain its leading position in Russian exports due to a wide price and taste range, as well as new applications outside the food sector, he expects.

Exports of Russian caviar doubled in 5 years

White caviar includes pike caviar, pollock, cassock, carp, walleye and other breeds. In 2020, it accounted for 55% of exports of the entire category in physical terms, 663 tons, and the share increased by 25% over the year. This type of caviar is in greatest demand in neighboring countries.

Deliveries of Russian caviar to the United States grew the fastest: by the end of 2020, 28 tons of products were shipped to this country against 4 tons in 2016, that is, the growth was about 640%.

High dynamics of export growth over the year was shown Moldova (2.6 times, up to 64 tons) and (Canada by 81%, up to 19 tons). USA entered the top ten buyers of Russian caviar. Leadership holds, Ukraine then go and. Belarus Kazakhstan

According to Dalnov, an increase in imports of Russian caviar was noted not only in the United States, but also in other Western countries, this is for two reasons. First of all, this is an increase in the share of the middle class and the accompanying distribution of restaurants with premium dishes from different countries, including Russian. Secondly, there is additional demand from companies in the non-food sector, where caviar is used as a component for the production of cosmetic and pharmacological products, he added.^[32]

China closed ports for receiving fish from Russia due to COVID-19

China - the largest importer of Russian fish - has closed all ports to receive products from Russia.

As part of quarantine measures for Covid-19, the port of Dalian, the last to receive Russian fish products, was closed, and the Chinese side does not name the timing of the resumption of imports.

Earlier, the port of Qingdao stopped accepting fish from Russia. The decision may be due to the fact that the Chinese authorities considered the potential threats from the spread of COVID-19 more dangerous than the losses of fish factories, says Sergei Sennikov, deputy director of Norebo Management Company.

Supply problems began after Chinese experts found the causative agent Covid-19 in frozen Russian fish.

2019: China buys 61% of Russian fish exports for $3.27 billion

China accounts for 61% of Russian fish exports - 1.09 million tons in 2019, or $3.27 billion in monetary terms.

1924

​​Foto the most expensive fish in history that was caught in Russia. In 1924, a beluga fish was caught in the Tikhaya Sosna River, the weight of which was 1227 kilograms. In her belly was 245 kg of black caviar. This case is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as a fact of prey for the most expensive fish in the world. Nowadays, the cost of this caviar would be 290 thousand dollars.

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