Russia’s postcrisis fishery industry backs to Soviet-era production level
Last month, Andrey Krainy, the director of Russia’s Federal Fishery Agency (FFA), released the results of the industry’s activities in 2010 and clarified the agency’s position regarding the rumors on the introduction of fishing fee in the industry. “Based on the sector’s performance, we can say that Russian fishermen have made history in 2010, as they increased the total volume of extracted bioresources to the level of 1991, a step, which means turning the page on the almost 20-year recession that has engulfed the industry in post-Soviet time.”
Another positive consequence from the growing activity in the industry was evident in Russia rising from the 9th to the 6th spot among the world’s leading fishery countries in 2010. In absolute terms, the gross volume of extracted bio-resources, exclusive of the output from the so-called leisure fishery segment, totaled 4.1mln tons. These data were disclosed by the FFA director at a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in March.
Russia’s postcrisis fishery industry, according to the FFA director, is enjoying dynamic growth today. “For example, the average salary in the industry, going by 2010 data, stood at 28,500 rubles, which is much higher than the national average, while the number of unprofitable enterprises in the sector is going downward,” he said. “Similarly, the share of domestic fish products on shop shelves stood at 77.5%. However, according to Russia’s recently adopted Food Security Doctrine, the volume of domestic fish production should reach 80% by 2020, but we plan to achieve this set target not in 10 years, but within the next 1-2 years,” he added. “All these factors have increased the opportunities for long-term investments in the industry.”
Commenting on the alleged fee extraction policy, the FFA chief said he was totally misunderstood. “The policy does not call for payment for fishing as such, but for complementary services rendered to fishermen in some special fishery sites, such as provision of accommodation, fishing boats and other facilities.”
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