Russian–Japanese Fishery Relations and Salmon Industry in the Russian Far East

The article considers the history of Russian–Japanese cooperation in the field of fisheries in the Russian Far East, demonstrating the dynamic interaction of economic, technological, and geopolitical factors. Since the mid-19th century, Japan, with its technological superiority, dominated the exploitation of Pacific salmon in the Russian Far East. The Soviet period strengthened State’s control over resources, but the concessions of the 1920s and 1930s maintained the dependence on Japanese capital. Until the mid-20th century, up to 86% of Japanese catches were salmon of Russian origin, with marine drift-net fishing playing a significant role until its ban in 2015. The current stage is characterized by a reduction in Japanese influence (no more than 2–3% of the catch since 2006) and increased sovereignty of Russia, including restrictions imposed on drift-net fishing and the transition to regulated quotas. Japan has made a significant contribution to salmon farming, with hatcheries in Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands laying the foundation for artificial reproduction, although its efficiency remains questionable due to the decline in juvenile returns to 1% in the 2020s. This study highlights the tensions between large-scale aquaculture investments and natural population dynamics and the need to balance economic efficiency with environmental sustainability. Historical analysis reveals the key role of international cooperation in shaping the resource policy, from technological borrowing to scientific cooperation.