Figures and facts
In 2004, Russian fishermen produced about 2.9 million tons of marine biological resources (a record low since the time of the USSR). At the same time, a federal fisheries law was adopted, which led to large-scale reforms. It was based on the long-term distribution of resources: the so-called investment quotas.
A lot has changed since then. In 2023, production reached more than 5.3 million tons.
– I think this is an excellent indicator, we will increase the volume of catches. The most important mechanism is investment quotas. This does not happen in any other sector of the economy, when in reality investments in the industry are stimulated through intangible assets,” said Ilya Shestakov.
Lyudmila Talabaeva, member of the Federation Council Committee on Agricultural, Food Policy and Environmental Management, who attended the Far East Fisheries Forum in Vladivostok, highlighted the confident growth of the Russian fisheries complex in 2023, including a six percent increase in fishing production. by 12 percent in exports and by nine percent in imports.
– Since 2014, when the federal law for the development of aquaculture came into force, its production volumes have more than doubled. In 2023, the figure will exceed 400 thousand tons. The main volume comes from salmon farming; mariculture (scallops, mussels, sea cucumbers, seaweed) is gaining momentum; Many aquatic areas are dedicated to this type of activity. In general, conditions have been created to increase the investment attractiveness of the sector, said Senator Talabaeva.
task network
Previously, quotas for the extraction of biological resources were distributed according to the “historical principle” (quotas according to the history of fishing, that is, the actual catch of companies in the early 2000s), and then on auctions. The winners had to build fishing boats and install fish processors. As part of the first stage, from 2017 to June 2021, those who committed to building a total of 105 fishing vessels, including 41 crab vessels, and 27 onshore processing plants in national shipyards received quotas.
In 2019, investments in the industry amounted to 45 billion rubles, in 2020 – 68.1 billion. As a result, 25 fish processing plants and a total of 22 vessels were put into operation. It turned out to be unrealistic to build everything in domestic shipyards, especially in conditions of sanctions and a shortage of imported components. Delivery times have been extended from three to five years.
The second stage of the “keel quota” program began last year. In total, it is planned to build 46 ships, 11 factories and six logistics complexes. According to the head of Rosrybolovstvo, this will really completely solve the problems related to storage and logistical accessibility of transshipment ports. But the relevant experts assess the situation not so positively.
25 fish processing plants out of 27 were put into operation and only 22 vessels out of 105 planned
– Investments in the industry last year reached 84 billion rubles, but accounts payable – 140 billion and net profit – 117, that is, we earn less than we owe to the banks. It turns out that investment programs are financed with credit,” said Alexey Buglak, president of the Pollock Miners’ Association.
The president of the Association of Primorye Fishing Enterprises (ARPP) added dark colors to the image.
– An increase in the cost of fish and seafood is inevitable, even as a result of past and planned auctions. This will affect the internal buyer. Of course, there is an export-oriented premium segment, but given the foreign policy situation, not all countries accept our products. And even if they accept it, another problem arises: the price initially promised to pay off the loans has dropped. The Russian consumer will not be able to buy crab at export prices,” commented ARPP head Georgy Martynov.
Fair point
Another important point: as a result of two stages of the program, more than 80 percent of the most attractive quotas from the market point of view went to large companies, and the remaining crumbs went to those engaged in coastal activities. In the near future, we can expect the bankruptcy of such small companies, since they will have nothing to compensate for the losses resulting from the extraction of less profitable resources. Or we will have to increase the price of the catch.
Infographic “RG” / Rafael Zaripov
In addition, the coastal region needs a small fleet and mostly large ships are built for investment quotas. Banks rarely grant long-term loans, usually five years, and building a ship takes about three years. It is impossible to repay the loan during the remaining two years of fishing; Your repayment period must be at least ten years.
– An entrepreneur can extract biological resources out of quota, but he needs berths for a small fleet, and even in Vladivostok there is only one, and it is passenger. Berths for floating pontoons are needed, sales markets are nearby, and primary processing takes place at sea. Then we will be able to supply Vladivostok and all of Primorye with inexpensive products,” commented Lyubov Terendina, deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Primorsky Territory.
Fuel prices have increased significantly. There are difficulties with the delivery of fish to the central regions of Russia: refrigerated wagons go to Moscow and St. Petersburg, and return late, it is unprofitable to drive empty ones. Market participants have prepared a proposal for the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation: if the cost of transportation to the Far East is reduced, suppliers will be more willing to return cars.
show the dishes
According to Rosrybolovstvo, some of the industry’s problems can be alleviated by increasing fish consumption on the domestic market. Most Russians prefer meat and poultry. Many are not willing to pay a comparable price for haddock fillet.
Infographic “RG” / Rafael Zaripov
However, demand is gradually growing. Last year, more than 12 percent of Russia’s total fish consumption was pollock. According to the association of pollock producers, 193,000 tons of products were supplied to the domestic market, plus 13 percent until 2022.
Experts see potential for further growth.
– There is a proportion of consumers who eat fish, but for various reasons do not eat pollock. We need to work on this, show what variety of dishes there are. Now we are promoting the Far Eastern Pollock brand on the market,” said Alexey Buglak.
