Fisheries as a factor of strengthening food security in Russia

Abstract

The study provides a comprehensive assessment of the role of the fishery complex in ensuring food security. The health and life expectancy of the population largely depend on the amount of fish consumed. The main source of fish intake in the diet of Russians is the industrial catch of aquatic organisms. The catch volumes have been relatively stable in recent years. Aquaculture production in Russia is insignificant, but continues to grow. The analysis revealed a low dependence of food supply on imports and a high degree of self-sufficiency in fish products in Russia. Due to the decrease in the purchasing power of the population’s income and price inflation, the physical and economic accessibility of fish and fish products for a significant part of consumers is decreasing. The structure of consumption is dominated by cheap fish products and products with a low processing depth. A tendency towards a decrease in the quality of fish products in the consumer market has been revealed. These factors indirectly threaten the food security of Russia.