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Photo: Stockfile/FIS
Russia Dominates Global Pacific Salmon Production in 2025
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Monday, November 03, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)
Scientific Oversight Fuels Catch of Over 335,000 Tonnes, Significantly Outpacing the US and Japan
Russia has cemented its position as the world leader in Pacific salmon production, concluding a remarkably successful 2025 fishing season. The total catch of Pacific salmon exceeded 335,000 tonnes, marking a significant increase of 102,500 tonnes compared to the 2024 harvest level. This robust performance has comfortably surpassed the reported figures for major fishing nations like the United States and Japan, showcasing the strength of Russia's Far Eastern fisheries.
The Triumph of the 2025 Salmon Run
The extraordinary harvest volume, which defied initial expectations, was achieved through a combination of favorable natural returns and intensive scientific management.
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Scientific Support: The success was made possible, in part, by crucial scientific support for the fishing season provided by specialists from the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO). Scientists initially projected a catch of approximately 312,000 tonnes due to the uncertainty of climate conditions in the pink salmon feeding areas. This conservative forecast was subsequently adjusted upwards by +43.5% as of October 27, reflecting the unexpected bounty.
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Key Species Drivers: The overall success was largely determined by exceptional runs of specific species in key regions:
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Massive arrivals of pink salmon in the Primorye subzone and western Kamchatka.
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Strong returns of chum salmon off the eastern coast of Kamchatka.
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Significant abundance of sockeye salmon in the Ozerny area.
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Species Composition: Pink salmon ($Oncorhynchus$ $gorbuscha$), which typically exhibits a dominant return in odd-numbered years, accounted for the majority of the catch at 66.4%. Chum salmon ($Oncorhynchus$ $keta$) followed with almost 18%, and the highly valued sockeye salmon ($Oncorhynchus$ $nerka$) contributed 12.8% of the total volume.
Regional Catch Leaders
The Far East's geographic regions played a critical role, with catches highly concentrated in the following areas:
Kamchatka remains the undisputed leader in Pacific salmon harvesting, accounting for more than three-quarters of the total Russian catch.
Concluding the Season
 Fishing activities have largely concluded across the regions, though fishermen in the Sakhalin Region are continuing their work to maximize the final yields. The Far Eastern salmon season, often referred to as the "salmon season" in the fishing community, will traditionally conclude on November 30th in the Southern Kuril Islands.
The official results and full analysis of the season are slated to be presented at the upcoming Far Eastern Scientific and Fisheries Council.
Dr. Olga Maznikova, PhD in Biology and Director of the Department of Anadromous Fishes at the Russian State Research Center of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO), is expected to provide a detailed report on the achievements and outline the preparatory strategies for the 2026 fishing season. VNIRO's scientific oversight, which includes continually adjusting catch forecasts based on real-time data, is a cornerstone of Russia’s successful, sustainable fisheries management.
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