Russia to Start Export Fish Sales Through Auctions in Coming Months

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - October 16, 2018

The Russian Federal Agency for Fishery, Rosrybolovstvo, plans to establish special trading areas in the Primorye region for the export sales of domestic fish and seafood, according to recent statements by Ilya Shestakov.

The introduction of auction platforms, according to Shestakov, will make the existing sales mechanism more transparent and will allow the sales of Russian fish at fair market prices.

All the trading platforms will be equipped with modern refrigeration facilities and have special inspection compartments ...

Russian Fishing Company to Build 9 Trawlers at Domestic Shipyards

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - October 9, 2018

Russian leading fish producer and processor Russian Fishing Company (RRPK) is preparing for a significant increase of production in years to come. The company plans to place additional orders for the building of large trawler-processors at domestic shipyards.

As part of these plans, the company intends to build nine fishing trawlers at the capacities of St. Petersburg shipyards, at the cost of U.S. $100 million per ship.

Last year, the company already signed an agreement for ...

Russian Leading Fish Producer Norebo Subjected to State Searches, Seizures

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - October 1, 2018

Russian leading fish producer Norebo (Karat) Group of Companies may experience serious difficulties doing further business in the Russian domestic market, due to the recently conducted massive searches and documents seizures at the Murmansk office of the company, as well at homes of senior employees of Norebo.

This has been confirmed by Norebo company official spokesman Sergey Sennikov, who said the seizure of company servers and computers of the endangers payment of wages to employees ...

Russia Doubles Exports of Pollock Fillets, Surimi, This Year as European Market Improves

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - September 10, 2018

Russia has doubled its exports of processed pollock this year, according to recent statements of senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and leading local producers. 

According to industry officials, the biggest growth in exports has been observed in pollock fillets, minced meat and surimi. 

This is confirmed by the official statistics, according to which, in the first half of the current year, fillets’ exports grew by almost three times, compared to the same period of 2017, while the ...

Proposed Tariffs on Reprocessed Alaska Seafood Causing Chinese Buyers to Pull Back

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by John Sackton – August 28, 2018

No decision has yet been made on whether US seafood products exported from Alaska for re-processing in China will be charged punitive US tariffs of either 10% or 25%. 

The office of the US Trade Representative has announced a tentative list of products to be taxed, which includes all seafood from China, but the industry is still lobbying for an exemption.

The earliest the tariffs could be announced or go into effect would be after September 6, which is ...

China Continues Buying Russian Pollock, Taking 90%, With Some Going to Chinese Domestic Market

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - August 13, 2018

China continues to increase imports of Russian pollock, despite maintaining high prices for it, both in Russia and on the global market, according to recent statements of some leading Russian fishermen and senior officials from the Russian Ministry of Agriculture.

According to the Russian analyst agency Rybset, one of the leading fish titles in Russia, the ever growing demand for Russian pollock in China makes pollock less affordable for domestic consumers, its prices are steadily growing.

For example, Russian Ministry of Agriculture data shows ...

New Russian State Producer Could Pose Direct Competition to Traditional Fishing Companies

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden – July 31, 2018

A new state-owned fish producer may soon be established in Russia, according to recent statements of some leading Russian fish producers and sources in Rosrybolovstvo. It could hold a large number of fish quotas available in the Russian fish market and compete with the current market leaders.

The new fish producer will be established on the basis of the already existing FSUE "Natrbresource," a state enterprise that operates coastal port facilities in several regions of Russia, including the Kaliningrad Sea Fishing Port, as well as ...

Russian Ban on Transhipping on Foreign Vessels Could Cripple Fishing Industry

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - July 29, 2018

The Russian fishing industry is on the verge of serious losses, due to the recent national Federal Security Service (FSB) warnings to fishing companies about new requirements limiting foreign transport ships and tenders.

The introduction of these new requirements have already been confirmed by the All-Russian Association of Fishermen (VARPE), a public association that unites some leading Russian fish producers.

Previously, such requirements were not imposed if the foreign vessel had the right to operate under the Russian flag and was ...

Rosrybolovstvo Makes Second Attempt to Set Up State Sponsored Chain of Low-Priced Fish Stores

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - July 6, 2018

Russian Rosrybolovstvo plans to establish a network of seafood stores in Russia, with the aim to ensure local citizens have regular access to fish and seafood and sold at affordable prices, according to an official spokesman of a Ilya Shestakov, head of Rosrybolovstvo, and recent statements of some senior officials of the Russian Ministry of Agriculture.

The first store is scheduled to open in August or September this year in Murmansk ...

McDowell Study Highlights Inshore Processing in Western Ak; Shows Vulnerability to Climate Change

SEAFODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by John Sackton – June 7, 2018

A recent McDowell Group study on the economic impact of inshore processing of BSAI groundfish and crab revealed an important truth about Alaska Fisheries:  both companies and the state as a whole prosper from diversification.

Although pollock is by far the largest component species by volume, and also the largest single driver of revenue, the contribution of non-pollock species to the processing sector in Unalaska and other communities is vital economically.

The report suggests that if a number of stocks fall off...

Impacts of Acidic Oceans Revealed on Key Alaska Species

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Fish Radio with Laine Welch] - June 4, 2018

This is Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch. Latest lab results show impacts of acid oceans on key Alaska species.

The chemistry showing that our oceans are becoming more acidic can’t be denied.  So how does all that absorption of increasing carbon dioxide affect some key Alaska fisheries?

“The direct effect of carbon dioxide increase may be the pH effect on the ability of a pollock or cod to grow or to have gas exchange across the gill membranes ...

Russian Fishery Company Plans New Fish Processor 'Russian Pollock' in the Far East

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - May 25, 2018

Russian Pollock LLC and the Federal Agency for Fishery (Rosrybolovstvo) signed an agreement recently that will result in the investment and construction of a new seafood processor in the Far East this year.

The agreement will provide the company with a share of quota of procurement (catch) of aquatic biological resources provided for investment purposes in the field of fishing, according to a press release. Ivan Osadchy, CEO for Strategic Planning and Business Development of RFC, and  ...

Russian Fishery Co. to Build Big Cod Plant on Barents Sea if they get Quota

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - May 9, 2018

The largest pollock producer, Russian Fishery Company (RRPK), together with "Agama Group of Companies", another large fish processor, plan to build a new coastal processing plant in the Russian Northern Basin, that will specialize on the processing of cod and haddock, according to the partners.

The project will be implemented by "Russian Cod", which is a fishing enterprise,  based in Murmansk, and which was specially established by the partners for the project ...

On Eve of Brussels Show, Russian Pollock Producers Promise Market War in Europe

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Seafood News] By Eugene Gerden - April 23, 2018

The vice-president of the Russian Pollock Association (RPA), Alexei Buglak, says that Russian producers expect low prices to help them continue to rapidly expand their share of single frozen pollock markets in Europe.

He says that the US media and US pollock producers have continued their attacks on Russian pollock, especially since the fishery achieved MSC certification in 2013.

He said the pressure on Russian fisherman has significantly increased after granting ...

Russian Fishery Company Plans New 60,000 ton Value-Added Pollock Plant near Vladivostok

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Seafood News] - April 11, 2018

The Russian Fishery Company (RFC) plans to start construction of a shore-based pollock processing factory in 2018. The processing capacity of the factory will be more than 60,000 tons with an output of 25,000 tons of high value-added products.

The Company plans to put the factory into operation in 2020.

The "Russian Pollock" processing factory will be located at the Nadezhdinskaya Priority Development Territory close to Vladivostok, Russia.

The factory will be equipped with modern high-tech equipment and ...

Russian Fishery Company (RFC) Joins GSSI as First Russian Partner

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Seafoodnews]  March 27, 2018

The Russian Fishery Company has joined GSSI as its second major funding partner from Russia. Norebo, another Russian whitefish company, is also a member of GSSI.  Norebo was formerly known as Ocean Trawlers.

GSSI, the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative, was developed by a global partnership of seafood producers and major retail and foodservice buyers, to provide a benchmark tool across the many sustainabiity certifications.  GSSI members rely on the benchmark to certify equivalence among sustainability certifications.

The Russian Fishery Company is the largest harvester of pollock in Russia, and 3rd largest in the world. They have 14 large fishing vessels equipped with modern fishing and processing equipment and have been in the forefront of the conversion of Russian production from H&G fish for twice frozen processing to single frozen blocks produced at sea, and sold in international pollock markets.

“For GSSI to truly provide an international, multi-stakeholder platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange in seafood sustainability, it is imperative that we have global representation..

Pollock Industry Commits $10 Million to Marketing Campaign as GAPP is Reorganized

SEAFOODNEWS.COM  [SeafoodNews] by John Sackton – October 5, 2018

The U.S. Alaska pollock industry is reorganizing and strengthening GAPP, and putting money into a massive marketing campaign.

GAPP, the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers, announced three major changes today:

-Expansion of GAPP membership to include all those involved in the fishing and primary processing of Alaska pollock.

-Commitment of a CEO level Board of Directors who will make rapid decisions,

-A minimum commitment of $10 million from participating companies for a new marketing program.

“GAPP now has a clear and focused mission: to ensure the world’s chefs and consumers understand how sustainable...

10% Tariffs on $200 Billion Chinese Exports Take Effect; Some Pollock and Cod Products May be Exempt

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by John Sackton - September 18, 2018

The Trump administration, over tremendous industry opposition, went ahead with a new round of punitive tariffs on Chinese products sent to America.

The new tariffs were set at 10% initially, and will rise to 25% on Jan 1, 2019.

Despite over 6000 comments opposing the tariffs, few changes were made in the list to accommodate individual companies or industries.  The exception was Apple, which secured exemptions for its watch, airpods, and ...

Russian Pollock Fishery in Sea of Okhotsk Recertified by MSC, with All Conditions Met

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] - August 31, 2018

The MSC has recertified the Russian Sea of Okhotsk Pollock Fishery following their 5 year review. 

Every five years MSC certified fisheries have to go through the full assessment process again to ensure they are continuing to meet the MSC Fisheries Standard. The assessment was carried out by third-party conformity assessment body Acoura Marine.

The Russian Pollock Catchers Association (PCA) first obtained MSC certification in 2013. The fishery was given 8 conditions ...

Mining Operations Threaten Fishing Operations at Russian West Kamchatka Region

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - August 17, 2018

Major Russian Kamchatka-region fish harvests may drop this year thanks to investment in another natural resource: mining.

Global mining companies have announced plans to start the production of minerals close to the West Kamchatka shelf as well as peripheral areas of the Peninsula.

For example, Indian energy holding company Tata Power -- India's largest integrated power company, according to its website -- has recently completed its plans to build a new port on the Sea of Okhotsk on the western coast of Kamchatka. The company's ...

Russian Government Plans Subsidies for Smaller Trawl Vessel Construction

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - August 8, 2018

The Russian government plans to provide subsidies from the federal budget for the development of the national small-tonnage fishing fleet, according to recent statements of some senior officials at the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and Rosrybolovstvo.

The estimated amount of subsidies is roughly RUB 6 billion (~$100 million USD).
The government plans to initially compensate at least 25 percent of the total cost of the building of small fishing trawlers.

According to a spokerperson of Rosrybolovstvo, state support ...

World Fishing Overview Gives Alaska High Marks

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Fish Radio with Laine Welch] - July 20, 2018

This is Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch – Alaska pollock is the top fish catch in the world for four years running, toppling anchovies from Chile and Peru.

More than 40 million commercial fishermen were out at work on global waters on nearly five million boats, of which 90 percent are under 40 feet.

Those numbers have held steady over several years, says the latest State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture done every other year by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization ...

Russian Ex-senator Alexander Verkhovsky Becomes Second Largest Fishery Quota Holder

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - July 11, 2018

The largest deal since 2013 was officially closed on the Russian fish market Tuesday. The Sakhalin Island company, a Russian fish producer owned by ex-senator Alexander Verkhovsky, acquired the Preobrazhensky Base of Trawl Fleet (PBTF), one of Russia’s largest fish producers, from the family of Sakhalin governors Oleg Kozhemyaka.

The deal, which is estimated at US $430 million, made Verkhovsky the second largest holder of fishing quotas in Russia after the Norebo Group (Karat), which ...

RFC to Get 170,000 ton Investment Quota; Plans Six New Surimi, Pollock Block Trawlers

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews]  June 8 2018

The Russian Fishery Company (RFC) announced it will receive 170,000 tons of pollock and herring quota under the terms of the Russian investment quota program.

The program supports the construction of fishing vessels and fish processing facilities by awarding the investors with significant quota.

RFC and the Federal Agency for Fishery recently signed the agreements on securing and providing the Company with more than 170,000 tons of Pollock and Herring quota once six trawlers-processors and on-shore fish processing factory are commissioned...

June Alaska Fishing Updates: Tough Start for Salmon Season

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Fish Radio with Laine Welch] - June 6, 2018

This is Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch – Salmon gets off to a slow start with other fisheries going on across the state.

It’s been a tough start so for Alaska’s salmon season.

Fisheries are set to open throughout the month and they will hopefully fare better than at Copper River.

Fishing for sockeyes and kings has been so poor there that only three openers have occurred so far, down by half. At first it seemed like ...

Russian Government Considers Ban of At-Sea Processing Discharges in Domestic Waters

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - May 30, 2018

The Russian government, together with the Federal Agency for Fishery (Rosrybolovstvo), plans to toughen controls of seafood discharges overboard caught by both domestic and foreign fishermen operating in Russian territorial waters, according to recent statements of some senior officials in the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and Rosrybolovstvo.

According to a spokesman of Dmitry Patrushev, a newly appointed Minister of Agriculture and a son of Nikolay Patrushev (head of Russian State Security Council, who is reportedly close to Russian President Putin), in recent years the number of ...

Russia Plans to Lift Restriction on Bering Sea Pollock, Cod Catch This Year

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] by Eugene Gerden - May 14, 2018

Russia plans to increase its total allowable catch of pollock and cod in the Bering Sea this year, due to the increasing volumes of production by the U.S. fishermen, according to sources in the Russian Federal Fisheries Agency (Rosrybolovstvo) and Russian scientific institutions in the field of fish and aquaculture.

So far, the imbalance between Russia and the U.S. in terms of pollock catch in the region has already reached ...

Trans-Ocean Products Names Kansas Company its 2017 Broker of the Year

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Seafood News] - April 30, 2018

Trans-Ocean Products, Inc., producers of the top-selling retail brand of surimi seafood in the U.S., according to a press release, recently announced Scherzer & Associations of Overland Park, Kan., has been named the company’s Broker of the Year for 2017.

Scherzer & Associates company president Jeff Scherzer and the entire team were recognized by Trans-Ocean for their support in helping grow Trans-Ocean’s sales through exceptional account management and new business efforts that drove increased market share for the Crab Classic, Jaiba Supremo and ...

US Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank Waiting on MSC Final Consultation for Haddock, Pollock and Redfish Trawl Fishery

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Seafood News] - April 18, 2018

The U.S. Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank haddock, pollock and redfish trawl fishery are one step closer to receiving Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.

A determination was reached by certification body Acoura Marine Ltd., who found that the fishery should be certified “according to the MSC Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fisheries.” However, the fishery must wait until the final consultation period has concluded before receiving their official MSC certification ...

April Mixed for Alaska Fisheries, Sitka Herring Slumps, but Southeast Tanner Crab was Good

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Fish Radio With Laine Welch] - April 4, 2018

This is Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch --- Lots of fishing updates and salmon is just weeks away! 

April has brought a mixed bag so far for several Alaska fisheries, starting with a big slump in herring hauls at Sitka Sound. 

The fishery had openers on March 25 and 26 and managers closed it all down on April 3 when the bulk of the herring size and quality was just not up to snuff. The total harvest of 2,800 tons is down by ...