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Ukraine's Fishing Fleet Decimated by Conflict, Black Sea Operations Halted Indefinitely

UKRAINE
Monday, June 16, 2025, 00:20 (GMT + 9)

War's Direct Impact Immobilizes Vessels and Ravages Marine Ecosystem; Distant-Water Operations Face Broader Global Headwinds.

KYIV – The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has delivered a catastrophic blow to the nation's fishing industry, effectively bringing commercial operations in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to a complete standstill. Experts warn that the multifaceted damage—from active hostilities and sea mines to unprecedented environmental degradation—means the fleet faces an uncertain future, even as distant-water operations grapple with indirect global pressures.

If Russia were to occupy the Odessa area (meaning the city and the surrounding coastline of the Odesa Oblast), Ukraine would lose its last major deep-water port and effectively all viable access to the Black Sea. Ukraine has already lost significant parts of its coastline, including Crimea (annexed by Russia)

Since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian marine commercial fishing has been entirely suspended. The strategic blockade of Ukrainian ports has forced fishing vessels to remain idle, crippling local economies and deepening Ukraine's reliance on seafood imports, which already accounted for up to 80% of its domestic consumption.

The environmental fallout from the war has been particularly severe. The Black Sea, a vital fishing ground, has endured extensive chemical and acoustic pollution from military activities. The presence of sea mines, laid by both sides, not only poses an immediate hazard to maritime traffic but also threatens marine life and habitats.

Furthermore, the catastrophic destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in June 2023 unleashed a massive influx of freshwater, drastically reducing salinity, triggering harmful cyanobacteria blooms, and wiping out significant mussel populations and other marine species. This ecological devastation raises long-term concerns about seafood safety and ecosystem recovery.

Ukraine has also lost access to extensive stretches of its southern and south-eastern coastline, including crucial fishing areas and processing facilities in temporarily occupied territories. Beyond infrastructure, martial law and widespread mobilization efforts have created significant human capital shortages, further impeding any potential for immediate recovery. Officials indicate that even once hostilities cease, the resumption of marine fishing will be contingent on exhaustive environmental assessments and mine clearance operations to ensure safety and ecological viability.

Trawler type 'Superatlantic' in the port of Las palmas

For any Ukrainian fishing vessels traditionally operating in West African waters, the impact is less direct but still significant. While not in the immediate conflict zone, these distant-water operations are affected by broader global maritime disruptions, including heightened energy prices and increased insurance premiums. The economic strain within Ukraine further complicates the funding and maintenance of such fleets. Moreover, these vessels navigate an already challenging environment characterized by widespread illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, weak regulatory frameworks, and security risks in the West African region.

The scale of the devastation in the Black Sea underscores a grim reality for Ukraine's fishing industry. A return to pre-war operational levels will require not only an end to hostilities but also a monumental effort in environmental rehabilitation and strategic rebuilding to restore the sector's capacity and ensure the long-term health of its vital marine resources.

editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media

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