Russia aims to boost its fishmeal production capacity, increase pelagic fishery

 22.05.2018 10:40:29

By Matilde Mereghetti Sep. 26, 2017 08:35 BST

Russia aims to increase its fishmeal production, which will support its aquaculture industry growth, according to Ilya Shestakov, the country's deputy minister of agriculture and fishing agency head.

Russia has drawn up a new long-term development strategy for its fishing industry.

The strategy includes five main points: fleet renewal, development of aquatic biological resources (including by-catch), aquaculture development, biotechnology progress and expansion in Antarctic waters.

As part of this plan, Russia intends to increase production of fishmeal, fishoil and fish feed from pelagic species. Resources including krill, anchovy, sprat, and more have so far been under-utilized, Shestakov said at the Global Fishery Forum in Saint Petersburg.

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Landings of pelagic species including sardine, mackerel and anchovy -- to supply the local Russian market -- is expected to rise to over 300,000 metric tons, Shestakov said.

The task will require the construction of a medium tonnage fleet -- over 30 vessels -- with freezers and storage capacity.

As part of Russia's 2030 strategy, the aquaculture sector will also grow, particularly Pacific salmon in the Far East.

Recently, Russian buyers had to find new sardine suppliers, following a reduction of Moroccan imports.

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