Government of Abkhazia Announces Fishing Quotas for 2024-2025 Season
Catch quotas for key fish species set by Abkhazia for the 2024-2025 fishing season.
SUKHUM / AQW’A — The Government of Abkhazia has approved fishing quotas and permissible catch volumes for the autumn-winter fishing season of 2024-2025. The decision outlines the maximum quantities of key fish species that can be harvested during this period.
According to the Cabinet’s resolution, the following quotas have been established:
- Anchovy (Hamsi): 25,000 tonnes
- Horse Mackerel: 200 tonnes
- Red Mullet: 120 tonnes
- Sprat: 340 tonnes
- Mullet: 100 tonnes
- Spiny Dogfish: 3 tonnes
- Flounder: 7 tonnes
- Skates: 20 tonnes
- Bluefish and Bonito: No restrictions
- Other Fish Species: 50 tonnes
Additionally, the government has introduced a pricing structure for utilising aquatic biological resources. Fees range from 1,050 roubles (approximately $10) per tonne of sprat to 80,000 roubles (approximately $768) per tonne for flounder or turbot.
The Ministry of Agriculture of Abkhazia has been authorised to allocate these quotas to enterprises specialising in the harvesting of aquatic resources. A total of 20 vessels will operate under the approved quotas during the season.
Strict regulations have also been set to ensure sustainable fishing practices and environmental protection. Prohibited activities include:
- Fishing within 500 metres of the shore.
- Washing fishing gear, decks, or holds less than three nautical miles from the coast.
- Fishing, mooring, or navigating fishing and transport vessels in restricted areas, including the estuarine zones of the Psou, Bzyb, Mchishta, Gumista, Kyalasur, Kodor, Aaldzga, and Ingur rivers.
These measures aim to manage Abkhazia’s fishing industry responsibly while protecting its aquatic ecosystems.