Russian fishermen have achieved a new milestone, successfully reeling in a colossal tuna weighing 284 kilograms near Iturup, one of the Kuril Islands. This remarkable catch surpasses the previous record for the year, which was set by Japanese fishermen whose slightly smaller tuna commanded a price of 1.3 million dollars. In Russia, however, a developed market for such high-value, auction-style trade is not yet established.
Tuna first began appearing in these waters several years ago, initially as incidental catches in commercial trawls around the Southern Kurils. Over time, their presence extended much further north, with some specimens reaching weights of up to 200 kilograms.
Lyubov Strimzha, head of the Sakhalin Fishermen Association, highlights that tuna sport fishing is now gaining traction. She elaborates on the demanding nature of this activity: “Quite well-equipped enthusiasts from the mainland arrive, even bringing their own boats, signifying a substantial undertaking. Many attempts result in a `break-off,` with the tuna escaping along with the tackle. Some fish have been known to tow boats for up to seven hours, much like in Hemingway`s tales.”
Strimzha attributes the increased tuna presence to climate change: “This year, we experienced significant climatic shifts, and Sakhalin`s summer was notably hot. The water warmed sufficiently for tuna to enter the Sea of Okhotsk. They were in pursuit of mackerel and iwashi, which ventured almost to the Poronaisky District, up to Terpeniya Bay — quite northern waters. Large specimens, typically more characteristic of the Kurils, followed them there.” She further explained that scientists are cautious about predicting a recurrence of this phenomenon, as Kuril waters are generally more suitable for mackerel and sardines, tuna`s primary food sources. The current situation is considered an exception due to the unusually warm waters. Analysis of the processed large tuna revealed pink salmon, perch, and cod in their stomachs. Last year`s tuna catches were smaller, typically weighing between 30 and 40 kilograms.
Regarding commercial value, Lyubov Strimzha clarifies that despite federal media reports of multi-million dollar prices, tuna in Sakhalin does not command the same premium as in Japan, where grand auctions are held. Nevertheless, promotional events such as “Tuna Day” or public tuna cutting demonstrations in restaurants are starting to emerge. In the retail market, a kilogram of tuna sells for 1,500 to 3,000 rubles, averaging around 2,000 rubles.
Georgy Martynov, President of the Association of Fishery Enterprises of Primorye, concurs that changing climate patterns and warm ocean currents are contributing to tuna appearing in Russian waters. He recalls that during the Soviet era, tuna was industrially fished, though predominantly in more southerly Pacific Ocean regions like Fiji. Martynov sees significant potential in revitalizing a domestic tuna fishing industry: “This could become a vital part of a resurgent tuna fishing sector. In Soviet times, our enterprises engaged in tuna fishing, not off Sakhalin or Primorye, but in warmer southern seas around Fiji and other Asia-Pacific countries. Specialized tuna vessels were built, tuna was caught, and sold internationally. Indeed, tuna auctions are prominent in Japan. Therefore, we must integrate into this business; tuna fishing is promising, and I believe both scientific research and fishing industry enterprises in the Far East should vigorously pursue it.”
Local media have also documented other extraordinary catches in the waters around Iturup: approximately six years ago, a sunfish weighing over a ton was landed, though regrettably, it spoiled before reaching shore and had to be discarded. Additionally, dorada, a fish typically native to tropical and subtropical waters, has also been unexpectedly found in local fishing nets.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth