(SeafoodSource) During the first half of 2012 more than 216 thousand MT of fish and seafood was caught in the Sakhalin-Kuril region, and catches of pollock showed a notable increase compared to 2011, particularly in North-Kuril region.
In June 51,000 metric tons of aquatic bio-resources where caught by fisheries in Sakhalin and Kuril Islands. The largest contribution to the total catch was traditionally provided by Alaska Pollock (27,000 metric tons).
West Sakhalin subzone contributed still minimal among all the fishing areas, just 0.7 thousand MT. Fishermen caught
416 metric tons of flounder, 141 metric tons of pollock and 89 metric tons of sea urchins.
In the East Sakhalin subzone the intensity of fishing decreased due to end of pollock fishing season. It was caught 3,000 metric tons against 12,000 metric tons in May.
However, in the South Kuril area with its high reserves of pollock the results are far better: in June fisheries supplied to buyers nearly 12,000 metric tons of this fish.
In general, in the first six months over 216,000 metric tons of aquatic bio-resources was produced in Sakhalin-Kuril region, which is 40,000 metric tons more compared to the same period of 2011. Catches of pollock still make a main part of it: 138,000 metric tons, or plus 29,000 metric tons compared to last year.
As for forecast for the second half of 2012, significant changes in structure of catches and production growth are expected. This is primarily due to the salmon fishing season results, as well as start of Pacific saury fishing. However, scientists also presume an increase of pollock catches since their intensity traditionally rises by the end of the year.