Fisheries complex of Russia: evolution of management and current priorities of state policy

Abstract

Introduction. The fishery complex of the Russian Federation plays a vital role in ensuring the country's food independence, reproducing aquatic bioresources, and maintaining the population's standard of living. The industry has a multiplying effect, influencing shipbuilding, food industry, transport, and trade. The complex is of particular importance for coastal territories, where its enterprises often serve as cityforming entities and shape social policy. The case of the Kamchatka Krai, with its unique resources, demonstrates the need for effective state policy.The purpose of this work is to analyze the evolution of the industry's management system, identify the key factors of its effectiveness, and determine directions for improving state policy.Materials and Methods. The research is based on the analysis of legal and regulatory acts (Federal Law No. 166-FZ, the state program for the development of the fishery complex), statistical data from Rosstat, industry reports, and scientific publications. The study employs historical-logical and comparative methods, as well as the systematization of expert assessments.Results. The transformation of the management system is divided into distinct stages: the Soviet period (centralization, the basin-based principle, a "gross output" strategy), the post-Soviet crisis period (liquidation of the ministry, multiple reforms, distributive and auction-based approaches), the period of consolidating the "historical principle" (2004–2015), and the current stage, marked by the introduction of investment quotas. It is shown that the long-term allocation of quotas created conditions for investment, but by 2015, a lack of incentives for fleet renewal and onshore processing became apparent. It was established that despite an increase in catch (4.7 million tons in 2025) and a rise in the share of value-added processing (from 15% to 34% between 2017 and 2024), significant problems persist: declining profitability (profits fell by 21% in 2024), growing accounts payable (exceeding 1 trillion rubles in 2025), a high degree of fleet depreciation, and the raw-material orientation of exports.Conclusions. An effective management model must combine the stability of the "historical principle" with flexible investment mechanisms. Promising directions include linking quotas to investment obligations, providing tax incentives for value-added processing, increasing the availability of credit secured by quotas, digitalizing the industry, and removing infrastructural constraints. The case of the Kamchatka Krai confirms the need for a synthesis of federal guarantees and regional support mechanisms.