Russia continues to lead world pollock production in H1 2024

Russia has maintained its global leadership in the fishing of Alaska pollock (also known as mintai) for the first half of 2024, according to the Pollock Catchers Association (PCA).

In the first half of the year, Russian fishermen landed over 13 lakh tonnes of pollock, twice as much as was caught by the United States, Russia's main competitor. Compared to the same period last year, the Russian pollock catch increased by 0.21 lakh tonnes, or 1.6%. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations forecasts that the global Pollock catch will increase by 12% this year to reach 37 lakh tonnes. The PCA predicts a Russian catch of about 20 lakh tonnes by the end of the year.

PCA President Alexey Buglak has stated that the global market situation remains complex and affects the way pollock production is structured. Fishermen are reorienting to provide products demanded in domestic and foreign markets, amid a decline in pollock fillet export markets. Furthermore, says Mr Buglak, pollock fishing is now taking place in the second most important and productive catch area, the West Bering Sea.

In April 2024, it was reported that fishermen had noted the recovery of Russian sturgeon stocks. According to the head of the Federal Fisheries Agency, Ilya Shestakov, Russia’s total catch in 2023 was the largest it’s been in 30 years at 53 lakh tonnes. The main species caught was pollock.

This leadership position is likely crucial for Russia's economy, as the fishing industry, particularly pollock fishing, contributes significantly to the country's exports and provides employment in coastal regions.

Source: Vedomosti