BarentsNews

Taking into consideration geographical location and ice-free harbour the fishery companies of the region were targeted on fishing in international zones and open part of the ocean where 90 percent of their catches were made. In 1990 the fishery industry aggregated 40 percent of the industrial production of Kaliningrad region.

As a result of the economical crisis of the 90-es fishing vessels were moved from the traditional fishing grounds (open parts of the Atlantics, Indian Ocean etc) due to the unprofitable operation. The fleet have moved to the closer regions as Northern Atlantics where the quotas covered not more then 15 percent of its capacity.

During the last 4 years the situation of the fishery complex of the Kaliningrad has stabilised. In 2001, 334,6 tonnes of fish and fish products were caught and produced. Total catch has risen with 10,9 percent and amounts to 9,1 percent of Russian total.

Fish processing complex has shown a stable growth. In 2001, 146 millions units of canned fish were produced. Fish processing plants of the region produce 32 percent of the total Russian canned fish production.

Fish industry of Kaliningrad region includes:

• 22 shipowners operating in ocean with 49 units of large capacity vessels and 67 units of middle-sized vessels;
• 56 companies operate in the Baltic Sea, 38 in Karshsky bay, 38 in Kaliningrad bay with 8 units of middle-sized vessels and 165 small-sized vessels;
• 7 big enterprises producing canned fish (from 8 to 50 millions units per year);
• Over 20 small fish processing plants;