The Leningrad Region in Russia has seen a significant increase in Ladoga smelt harvest, with a 5.7% rise from the previous year, totaling 1,144 tons from the start of the season to mid-May. This is the highest harvest in six years, with 34 organizations involved in the process. The All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography has raised the catch quota for the 2023 season to 1,300 tons, reflecting the healthy fish population and successful catch rates. The 'Smelt is coming!' festival in Novaya Ladoga also saw record participation with 25,000 visitors. Furthermore, the region has experienced growth in fish sales and processed aquatic biological resource production in the first quarter of 2023, indicating a strong start to the season.