W11 Salmon Update: Japan-Russia Quota Accord and Salmon Restoration Efforts in South Korea

Published 2024년 3월 22일

In W11 in the salmon landscape, Japan and Russia have agreed to maintain the catch quota for salmon and trout fishing by Japanese vessels within Russia's EEZ adjacent to Japan for 2024 at 2.05 thousand mt, consistent with 2023. The cooperation fees paid by Japan to Russia, ranging between USD 1.2 million and USD 2.1 million, potentially reflect a decrease in the minimum payment compared to 2023. Rooted in a 1984 accord, this agreement aims to provide stability in fisheries management through annual consultations. Meanwhile, in Gyeongbuk Province, South Korea, efforts to bolster declining salmon populations continue with the release of 650 thousand young salmon into two rivers, signaling a commitment to restoring this critical economic resource and promoting sustainability through ongoing investments in salmon farming.

Japan and Russia Maintain Salmon and Trout Fishing Quota for 2024

Japan and Russia have reached an agreement regarding the catch quota for salmon and trout fishing by Japanese vessels within Russia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) adjacent to Japan for 2024. Following online negotiations, both parties agreed to maintain the quota at 2.05 thousand metric tons (mt), identical to the level established for 2023.

The agreed-upon range for fishery cooperation fees paid by Japan to Russia falls between USD 1.2 million and USD 2.1 million. This represents a potential decrease in the minimum payment compared to 2023. The agreement on fishing quotas and cooperation fees stems from a 1984 agreement between the two nations. Annual consultations are held to discuss these terms and other relevant issues. The established quota and cooperation fee framework provides stability for both parties involved in this fishery.

Gyeongbuk Province Releases Young Salmon to Bolster Declining Populations

Salmon populations in Gyeongbuk Province, South Korea, have been experiencing declines attributed to rising water temperatures associated with climate change. Salmon represents a critical economic resource for Gyeongbuk Province, providing income for local fishermen and a valuable protein source for consumers.

The Gyeongbuk Provincial Freshwater Fish Research Center recently released a total of 650 thousand young salmon into two rivers flowing into the province's east coast: Uljin Wangpicheon and Yeongdeok Osipcheon. These young salmon were hatched from fertilized eggs collected from mother salmon captured during a designated period in late 2023. The released fish were reported to be in good health, with an average size of 5.6 centimeters (cm) and 1.8 grams (g). The release of young salmon signifies a commitment to restoring the declining population and ensuring its sustainability.

The Gyeongbuk Provincial Oceans and Fisheries Bureau has expressed its commitment to restoring salmon resources through continued releases of artificially hatched young salmon. Additionally, the bureau plans to focus administrative efforts on promoting "K-salmon" industrialization through ongoing investments in the salmon farming sector.