Aquaculture in the North-West of Russia: Statistics, Conditions and Development Prospects

Annotation

The study presents statistical data on the dynamics of aquaculture production volumes in Russia, identifies the main segments in the structure of commercial aquaculture production, and determines the regional specialization of aquaculture production in the North-Western Federal District of Russia. Based on reports of the Federal Agency for Fisheries, the study highlights key performance indicators of the fisheries sector in implementing the country’s Food Security Doctrine, in particular, the self-sufficiency rate for fish and fish products exceeded 138%, an increase in the consumption of fish products by the country’s population was recorded in 2024, reaching 23.5 kg per person per year. A statistical analysis of commercial aquaculture production in the fisheries sector identifies the North-Western Federal District as the traditional leader in aquaculture production and indicates its regional specialization in the farming of salmonid species. Data is presented on past and current unforeseen circumstances affecting commercial aquaculture production, as well as promising areas for development, such as the construction of new aquaculture complexes, the production of feed and fish seed, the expansion of water areas for aquaculture farms, etc. It is noted that the industry is working on new investment projects and additional measures of state support, updating the legislative framework, advancing fisheries science, and paying particular attention to staffing within Russia’s fisheries sector. The research and developments of the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) and its branches to improve the quality of domestic fish feed are presented. Projects for the construction and modernization of commercial aquaculture plants and farms in the regions of the country are examined. The global trend of leading foreign companies in the long-term development of aquaculture production is outlined. The significant contribution of fish farmers of the North-West of Russia to aquaculture production is emphasized.

About authors

Sergey S. Vopilovskiy, Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor, Leading Researcher
Luzin Institute for Economic Studies — Subdivision of the Federal Research Centre “Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, ul. Fersmana, 24a, Apatity, Russia
simonovich.63@yandex.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2873-1425

Keywords

aquaculture, economy, North-West Russia, aquatic bioresources, fisheries, fish farming, fish seed, fish feed

DOI

https://doi.org/10.37482/issn2221-2698.2026.64.28

UDC

[639.2:338.22](470.2)(045)