We live by the sea: Chibis on Murmansk fish prices

At the press conference of Governor Andrei Chibis, 51.RU journalist Alexandra Balaba asked about the availability of fish in Murmansk Oblast.

— Vladimir Putin believes that Russians do not eat enough fish. In your opinion, is this product accessible in fish-rich Murmansk, and is it possible to reduce the price for local fish? — 51.RU journalist Alexandra Balaba asked the governor.

— Accessibility is always determined by income, — the head of the region began to reason. — It is accessible to some, not to others. There is a certain economic logic in the price of any product. Due to natural factors, the quota volume in our northern basin has decreased by 50% over the last 2 years. Due to imposed sanctions, many ports are closed to our fishermen. Costs have risen. Fuel prices are increasing, salaries need to be raised, and there is less fish. Will it become cheaper?

Cod and halibut are caught mainly far from the shores of Murmansk Oblast, and logistically it is cheaper and faster to deliver the fish, for example, to the port of Saint Petersburg, the head of the region noted.

— Periodically, people say: we live by the sea, give us fish. But it«s all economic logic. What have we done? «Nasha Ryba» (Our Fish), which has been operating since 2019. There, the price is kept at about 30% below market rate. And we also promised amateur fishermen the opportunity to sell their catch legally and did that. Now an amateur fisherman can become self-employed. This is slowly gaining momentum. There are fishing villages. This is a kind of alternative that will allow creating more fish volume locally, — said Chibis.

Recall that Murmansk Oblast has become the region with the most expensive red caviar in Russia. We wrote about Putin speaking about the shortage of fish on Russians« tables.

And also, Murmansk Oblast was among the top regions in Russia for the high cost of fish. Read about why in the fish-rich region less fish is eaten than the president recommends.

Also, we examined with an expert why high prices are set for fish in Murmansk Oblast.

And here we showed for how much fish is sold at the city«s cheapest fair. Also read about why in the Arctic region such prices exist for fish and seafood.

The press conference of Andrei Chibis lasted more than four hours. Journalists, bloggers, as well as administrators of publics and channels gathered: we showed what treats they were greeted with at the event.

The first question asked to the governor was about gas prices. Next, Andrei Chibis answered whether capital repair timelines will be accelerated. Also, he was asked what will happen with garbage in the region and if new productions will appear.

The press conference was very emotional in parts; at one point, Andrei Chibis sincerely admitted who he wants to punch in the face.

Many topics were raised at the meeting with journalists: what savings will lead to in the budgetary sphere, why snow in Murmansk is black again, what is happening with medicine, how to speed up the process of resettlement from dilapidated housing.