Fish Crisis in russia: the Old Fleet Leaves Fishermen Without Work

russian fishermen in the Black and Azov Seas are likely to be left without work, and the population of the country that is directing funds to its military machine against Ukraine – without fish. The reason is the suspension of fishing due to restrictions on the fleet’s operating life.

Today, the russian sea fleet of commercial vessels numbers 820-830 units, and already 65  % of them are over 30 years old, with 13 %  – over 40. By 2030, the total number of vessels over 40 years old will be 533, so the vast majority of the current fishing fleet, even with major modernization, will not be able to operate fully.

The formal reason for the suspension of fishing is the ban on access to russian seaports for all vessels over 40 years old from January 1, 2030. In reality, fishing companies operating in the Azov-Black Sea basin are not covered by any government fleet renewal program. Prices for fish products in the region are the lowest in russia, making it impossible for local fishermen to buy new vessels.