Fishing industry in the Irkutsk Region: resource potential, development, current situation

Abstract

The major natural reserves of inland water resources in the Russian Federation have high fishing value and allow large-scale fishing activities. One of the regions where these water resources are localized is the Irkutsk Region. Within its borders there are parts of the largest Baikal-Angarsk and Verkhnelensk water basins with a very developed river network, with reservoirs and lakes, where dozens of fish species live in natural conditions, including those of industrial importance. This article provides a brief overview of the structure and reserves of the water resources, their distribution over the territory of the Irkutsk Region. The main fishing areas are specified and the assessment regarding their fishing potential and commercial stocks is made. An overview of the fishing potential of the Irkutsk water area of Lake Baikal and large reservoirs of the Angara cascade of hydroelectric power plants is given. The history of the development of fishing industry in the region is demonstrated. The article concludes that in the water bodies of the region there are stocks of commercial fish species, which are currently poorly developed or almost not used (being practically untouched in natural conditions). The poor development is due to both natural and climatic and economic and geographical reasons.