A Nine Percent Fall in Russia’s Pollack Quota Next Year

It has been decided that the amount of Alaska Pollack that can be obtained from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) next year will be 20,000 ton, a nine percent decrease from this year.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries revealed on Sunday the agreement to limit the total amount of fish that Korean fish boats can catch to 39,950 ton -- which was made between Korea and Russia at the 13th Maritime Committee meeting. The six-day meeting starting on November 24 was held at the governmental building of the Maritime department, Chungjungro, Seodaemun-gu. The amount is a 22.9 percent decrease from this year’s 51,800 ton.

Specifically, Alaska Pollack 22,000 tons to 20,000 tons, Codfish 2,500 tons to 2,650 tons, Saury 20,000 tons to 10,000 tons, and the amount of Cuttlefish (7,300 tons) is the same as this year.

It has also been decided that there would be a 10.7 percent decrease in the number of fish boats in operation to 150 from this year’s 168 boats.

The Maritime department explained that the Russian government has reduced the 2004 Alaska Pollack ATC (Approved Total Catch) by 21 percent and thus, the quota allotted to Korea.

Ji-Wan Cha cha@donga.com