Photo: Stockfile/FIS

Pollock Catch in West Bering Sea Reaches 131.2K Tons by June End, Matching Last Year's Pace Despite Later Start

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Wednesday, July 09, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Despite beginning 15 days later, Russia's pollock fishery in the West Bering Sea zone has nearly matched last year's catch volumes, hitting 131.2 thousand tons by the end of June. The fleet is actively operating across key areas, showing improved efficiency for larger vessels.

VLADIVOSTOK – Russia's pollock fishery in the West Bering Sea zone has achieved a notable milestone, reaching 131.2 thousand tons in catches by June 30. This volume represents 18.9% of the total allowable catch (TAC) for the season. Remarkably, this figure nearly mirrors last year's performance of 131.0 thousand tons (18.7% of TAC), even though the 2025 fishing season commenced 15 days later, on June 1.

The fleet's deployment in June followed typical seasonal patterns, with active fishing operations concentrated in several key areas. Significant catches were reported in the central sector of the southern part of the Gulf of Anadyr, near Cape Navarin, the eastern part of the Koryak slopes, and along the northern and southern slopes of the Navarin Canyon. Operations also extended further east, towards the dividing line separating the zones of responsibility between Russia and the United States.

The number of vessels engaged in the fishery fluctuated throughout the month, ranging from 25 to 40 units. This included 19-29 large-tonnage vessels and 5-12 medium-tonnage vessels. Daily average catches for large-tonnage vessels showed improved efficiency this season, reaching 101.3 tons per day, up from 94.6 tons last year. Medium-tonnage vessels, however, saw a slight decrease in their daily average catch, falling to 44.3 tons from 56.8 tons in the previous year.

Additionally, a significant number of vessels employing longlines and snurrevads (ranging from 12 to 28 units) were also involved in the pollock fishery, reporting an average catch of 13.9 tons per day. According to industry reports, both the number of active fishing vessels and their overall catch efficiency have steadily increased since the beginning of June.

This strong performance, despite a delayed start, highlights the adaptability and effectiveness of the Russian pollock fleet in maximizing its share of the crucial West Bering Sea resource.

editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media

Print