Photo: Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo)/FIS

Russia's Pacific Salmon Catch Surges Ahead of Previous Years, Driven by Strong Sockeye Run

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Thursday, June 12, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Early season figures for 2025 show a significant lead with over 466 tonnes landed, predominantly sockeye salmon, primarily from the Kamchatka Krai region.

MOSCOW – Russia's Pacific salmon fishing season has commenced with remarkably strong results, with total catches already significantly outpacing figures from previous years. As of the latest data, Russian fishermen have landed 466.5 tonnes of Pacific salmon, marking a substantial increase of 440.7 tonnes compared to the same period in 2023, and 306.5 tonnes more than in 2024.

The overwhelming majority of the catch is dominated by sockeye salmon, accounting for 95% of the total volume. Smaller quantities of masu, chinook, chum, and pink salmon have also been reported.

Kamchatka Leads the Way

The Kamchatka Krai region is at the forefront of this impressive start, contributing a massive 461.6 tonnes to the total catch. Other regions' contributions include:

• Sakhalin Oblast – 4.082 t.
• Khabarovsk Krai – 0.733 t.
• Primorsky Krai – 0.178 t.
• Magadan Oblast – 0.001 t.

Scientists from the Russian State Research Center of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) have confirmed high approaches of sockeye salmon in eastern Kamchatka, making it the primary fishing target in the region. Sockeye catches alone have exceeded 443.2 tonnes, a remarkable 435.4 tonnes higher than on the same date in 2023 and 306.6 tonnes more than in 2024.

Expanding Fishery Operations and Scientific Support

In line with the regional Fishery Strategy, the Commission for the Regulation of Anadromous Fish Species in Kamchatka Krai has authorized an expansion of fishing activities. Fishermen from the Vyvenka River, Elizovsky District, and Kronotsky Bay have already joined the fishery. Operations are set to commence on the Apuk River from June 10, and in the Olyutorsky, Karaginsky, and Ust-Kamchatsky (including Ozernaya River and Ozernaya Bay) districts from June 15.

Beyond Kamchatka, amateur fishing for masu salmon began on June 5 in licensed areas in the Sakhalin Region, specifically on the Val River in Nogliki District and the Langeri River in Smirnykhovsky District.

VNIRO specialists are providing crucial scientific support throughout the fishing season, conducting a comprehensive census of Pacific salmon during their pre-anatomical migration. Research vessels TINRO and Kaganovsky will continue this vital work until July 3, ensuring ongoing scientific oversight of the fishery.

Source: Federal Agency for Fisheries

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