Representatives of the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) also participated in the meeting: Deputy Director Arsen Mirzoyan and Head of the Volga-Caspian Branch of VNIRO Anatoly Bogachev.
Key topics on the agenda included sprat production and the state of its stocks in the Caspian Sea, as well as measures to increase the efficiency of fishing in the sea. The head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries noted that Russia is currently the leader in sprat fishing in the Caspian Sea. Research conducted by industry researchers has shown significant potential for increasing domestic catches. The measures being developed are aimed at creating more comfortable working conditions for fishermen, including the development of port infrastructure, ship repair, and processing facilities, as well as increasing the efficiency of the fishery.
Background:
Since the early 2020s, Russia has remained the leader in Caspian sprat production. This was made possible by the coordinated efforts of fishermen and scientists from VNIRO, a research institute under the jurisdiction of the Federal Agency for Fisheries. Amendments have been made to the Fishing Regulations, extending the fishing season, and expanding the sprat catch boundaries.
There is a trend toward expanding the herring fishery in the Caspian Sea. The creation of unified Fishing Regulations for the common Caspian Sea area is being discussed. This will allow the Caspian littoral countries to ensure the rational use of their shared aquatic bioresources and combine efforts to combat poaching.
Measures are being developed to develop the coastal infrastructure of the Makhachkala seaport, as well as ship repair facilities. This will improve working conditions for fishermen in the region and increase the efficiency of Russian fishing in the Caspian region.
VNIRO Press Service