Recovery of Fishing in the Azov-Black Sea Basin After Emergency in the Kerch Strait
Russian fishermen have restored their fishing rates in the Azov-Black Sea basin after a slight decline at the beginning of the year due to an emergency situation in the Kerch Strait, according to the All-Russian Association of Fishery Producers (VARPE).
At the start of the year, the catch figures in the Azov-Black Sea basin lagged behind last year’s due to the emergency in the Kerch Strait. This was attributed to the forced relocation of the fleet to other fishing areas and uncertainty regarding the potential impact of the emergency on the safety of aquatic biological resources. Coordinated actions by regulatory authorities and fishermen allowed the industry to quickly adapt and regain its fishing momentum, stated VARPE President German Zverev.
Source: Izvestiya
He noted that, according to the Association of Fishery Producers of Crimea and Sevastopol, the catch of sprat—the main target species—is proceeding normally, still taking place at a significant distance from the shore and the site of the emergency. The fishing conditions are reported to be good.
As reported by TASS, by March 10, 2025, the fish catch in the Azov-Black Sea basin reached 10.8 thousand tons, which is nearly 20 % more than the corresponding figure for 2024. The main target species remains sprat, with a catch of 9,8 thousand tons.
Over the past three months, 100 % of the samples taken for research have confirmed that all catches are safe for consumers, as confirmed by VARPE and the Association of Fishery Producers of Crimea and Sevastopol.
VARPE also noted that the Azov-Black Sea basin is the smallest of Russia’s five fishery basins. In 2024, 35,5 thousand tons of fish were caught there, accounting for less than 1 % of the total catch in the country.
Moreover, fishing in the Black and Azov Seas holds significant social importance, employing several thousand fishermen. Black Sea fish not only serve as raw material for popular canned goods in the country but also represent a “calling card” for an important tourist center. The region produces sprat, anchovy, herring, horse mackerel, flounder, and more, with almost the entire catch going to the domestic market, according to the association.
