Vasily Sokolov, deputy chairman of Rosrybolovstvo, indicated during discussions at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that 2025 will bring tighter controls on cockroach fishing in the lower Volga region. His remarks echo through official coverage as the authority outlines a more stringent approach for the coming year.
He noted a troubling pattern: both professional anglers and recreational enthusiasts have reported catches of cockroaches, with stocks in decline but capable of rebound when pressure eases. Consequently, authorities have already advanced tougher measures this year, and the plan is to push even further in 2025.
Presently, the industrial fishing permit in the region is valid for ten days. For the next year, officials have yet to finalize the permit duration, signaling ongoing adjustments to regulatory timelines in response to stock assessments and ecological considerations.
The deputy chairman highlighted the resilience of cockroach populations in the lower Volga, stressing their high reproductive rate and strong survival traits. These characteristics enable the species to recover quickly when fishing pressure is reduced or management steps are properly enforced.
Earlier, Igor Babushkin, governor of the Astrakhan region, commented on the possibility of a prolonged ban on industrial and amateur cockroach fishing in Astrakhan and along the Caspian Sea. He underscored that the species faces significant decline and is approaching critical levels after a century of population changes.
There is a broader context as well: Russia has historically relied on seafood exports, and current policy discussions reflect a balance between domestic supply and international trade considerations.