Share of deep processing of pollock, 2017-2025

Russian fishermen have increased the share of pollock processed into deep processing by more than 2.5 times over eight years. By the end of 2025, the share of Russian pollock catches, the main commercial fish, used for fillet and mince production (including surimi mince), reached 37.5%. In 2017, before the start of the investment quota program, under which onshore fish processing plants and onboard processing vessels with factories have been and continue to be built, this figure was 14%.

Proportion of deep processing of pollock (raw, % of catch)

Currently, the volume of pollock fillet, mince, and surimi produced at sea and at onshore factories is estimated by experts from the Fishery Shipowners Association (FSA) at 215,000 tons (193,700 tons released directly on board fishing vessels as of December 25). Approximately 790,000 tons of raw material have been used for this production, out of a catch volume of 2.1 million tons.

It is expected that with the introduction of new capacities, the share of deep processing will continue to grow. The growth potential is significant. Currently, in this indicator, we continue to lag significantly behind Russia's main competitor in the pollock market—the United States, where up to 90% of pollock catches are processed into fillets and mince.

"The main potential for growth in fillet and surimi production by Russian fishermen lies in the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, where pollock is larger. In this area, pollock accounts for more than half of the catch. In the western (Russian) Bering Sea, where pollock stocks are the largest, pollock is typically smaller and is suitable primarily for the production of headless frozen fish or fishmeal. In the American part of the Bering Sea, pollock is larger. Therefore, Russian pollock fishermen primarily focus on the Okhotsk fishery when processing pollock," explained Alexey Osintsev, Vice President of the FSA.