Photo: Federal Agency for Fisheries

Far East Salmon Season Soars: Over 214,000 Tons Harvested Amidst Scientific Optimism

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 06:30 (GMT + 9)

Kamchatka leads the impressive catches as pink salmon dominates, while innovative scientific methods guide significant increases in catch recommendations across the region.

VLADIVOSTOK – The 2025 Pacific salmon fishing season is in full swing across all regions of the Far East, with total catches already exceeding 214,400 metric tons by July 28. This robust start signals a highly productive season for Russia's vital salmon industry.

Fishermen from Kamchatka Krai are, as per tradition, leading the charge, having landed an impressive 178,000 metric tons, accounting for 83% of the total Far Eastern catch. Following Kamchatka's strong performance, Khabarovsk Krai confidently holds the second position with over 13,600 metric tons, doubling its catch from 2023. The Magadan region is also maintaining good fishing dynamics with over 10,000 metric tons harvested.

Notably, Primorye is significantly ahead of previous years' results, with more than 8,800 metric tons — a remarkable 5.7 times increase compared to its 2023 figure. Sakhalin has netted over 3,500 metric tons, while Chukotka has reported just over 298.5 metric tons.

The bulk of the catches consists of pink salmon, accounting for more than 172,800 metric tons (80.6%). Sockeye salmon follows with 27,900 metric tons (13%), and chum salmon contributes 13,500 metric tons (6.3%). Smaller quantities of chinook, masu, and coho salmon have also been harvested.

Photo: Video footage from the TV channel “News 65”/Russia

Scientific Support Fuels Increased Catch Recommendations

The fishing operations are underpinned by robust scientific support from the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO). VNIRO scientists are actively working in accordance with regional strategies, employing a wide array of advanced tools to assess salmon populations, including unmanned and manned aerial vehicles, control alloys, hydroacoustic sections, and elements of artificial intelligence.

Since the beginning of the fishing season, VNIRO specialists have provided 16 scientifically-backed recommendations to increase catch volumes for pink, chum, and sockeye salmon. These recommendations, spanning the Kamchatka, Primorsky, and Khabarovsk Territories, as well as the Magadan and Sakhalin Regions, have cumulatively led to an upward revision of 115,700 metric tons in permitted catches.

This strong start to the salmon season, coupled with adaptive scientific management, underscores the dynamic and prosperous outlook for the Far Eastern fisheries, as reported by the Federal Agency for Fisheries.

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