Governor Andrey Chibis held a regular meeting of the Territorial Fisheries Council of the Murmansk Region. Representatives of the regional government, industry science, fishing associations and leading enterprises of the fishing industry take part in its work.
Andrey Chibis recalled that the Council has become a permanent platform for resolving various issues, collegially forming a common position on important topics for fishermen in the region, including for discussion at the federal level.
"At one of the previous meetings, we agreed to try to adjust federal legislation so that the catch could be processed on fishing vessels within the framework of coastal fishing. The work was carried out together with the government, and we discussed it with Dmitry Nikolaevich Patrushev, and Elena Vasilyevna Diaghileva, our senator, joined in. The relevant bill was adopted in the first reading. Taking into account the government's position and the correctness of these actions, I am convinced that the law will be adopted. This will result in a radical increase in the number of products. It is important that this is a practical result, including our work with you, thank you all for your active participation," said Andrey Chibis.
The head of the region recalled that a number of important decisions were taken last year: the possibility of renegotiating contracts for fishing plots for 20 years without bidding with a three-year installment payment was ensured, parliamentary control over everything that happens in the fisheries complex was strengthened.
"That is why the key issue on the agenda today is to increase the deadline for fixing investment quotas from 15 to 20 years. It is an important and sensitive topic that affects the strategic planning of the construction of ships and coastal enterprises. It is necessary to take into account all the nuances and work out the position of the region. Together with representatives of the N.M. Knipovich Polar Research Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography, we will discuss the state of stocks of anadromous fish species. This is a controversial issue, since salmon fishing is one of the economic foundations of the region's development, it is important for fishermen and tourists, but at the same time, measures should be taken to increase the salmon population in order to maintain an ecological balance. We need scientifically based monitoring, and we will consider the situation from all sides, including the lease of fishing grounds for the organization of amateur and industrial fishing. It is important that the legal entities that will receive the right to extend the lease ensure, among other things, the interests of residents through the benefits mechanism, or additional investments in the social sphere of the municipalities where these sites are located," the governor said.
Andrey Chibis said that despite the sanctions pressure, rising logistics prices and changing global market conditions, the region's fisheries sector completed 2025 with dignity. The volume of commercial fish cultivation at the aquaculture enterprises of the Murmansk region amounted to about 57 thousand tons– which is 104.5% compared to 2024. The volume of extraction of marine aquatic biological resources has reached 414.2 thousand tons. The volume of crab production increased to 22.7 thousand tons. Tax revenues to the consolidated budget from enterprises of the fisheries complex in 2025 amounted to 8.79 billion rubles (101.8% compared to the level of 2024). The number of employees for 11 months of 2025 amounted to 6.2 thousand people. The average salary exceeded 266,000 rubles, which is 12.4% higher than a year earlier and significantly higher than the regional average.
"Every ninth ton of fish products in the country is produced by enterprises of the Arctic. Murmansk fishermen provide more than 9% of the total Russian catch and 55% of the catch of enterprises in the Northern Basin. There are many difficulties, but steady development is underway," said Andrey Chibis. – In particular, the fleet renewal program continues: 6 modern vessels have been built and are operating, including the trawlers Kapitan Sokolov, Orion, Lev and the krabolov Vaigach. Three more crabbers and a logistics center are in operation. This is a serious investment in the future of the region, in improving the efficiency and safety of fishing. I thank everyone who implements these projects in these difficult conditions."
Senator Elena Diaghileva noted that with the support of Governor Andrey Chibis, the industry, even despite the challenges, maintains a stable position.
"Today we discussed very important issues that are also at the center of the discussion of the Federation Council, which are given personal attention by Speaker of the Chamber of Regions Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko. The year 2025 was not easy, but it was productive. A number of important laws have been adopted, including the possibility of renegotiating contracts for fishing plots for 20 years without bidding, with a three-year installment payment, and parliamentary control over the construction of the fleet on investment quotas has been ensured. I will mention another important initiative, which has been repeatedly voiced by the head of the Arctic. At a meeting of the State Duma, a bill was passed in the first reading that will promote the rational use of such a valuable resource as cod liver. I am sure that this session will succeed in passing this law. We will continue to work together to ensure that the industry continues to develop, and the fishermen of Murmansk can continue to fish as efficiently as possible," the senator commented.
Stanislav Aksyonov, President of the Association of Shipowners of the Fishing Fleet, noted that investment quotas are a very popular support measure.
"In the current situation, it is difficult to talk about budget injections to support the industry, but such a non-financial support measure as providing an investment quota for 20 years instead of the 15-year period stipulated by current legislation is in great demand. This will allow the creditor banks to re-evaluate the payback of the new fleet and will enable fishermen to refinance loans and avoid non-payments. Given the difficult conditions in which the industry operates and implements costly investment projects, it is especially important not to increase the burden on fishermen. Export duties on fish products may become such a dangerous additional charge if a decision is made to introduce them," he said.
/ Ministry of Information Policy of the Murmansk Region /