Asianometry The Once-Mighty Soviet Fishing Fleet
Mar 20, 2025
The podcast dives into the epic history of the once-mighty Soviet fishing fleet, exploring its rise from traditional fishing to advanced industrial techniques. It highlights the geopolitical strategies behind its expansion and the rise of international fishing laws. Challenges like the establishment of Exclusive Economic Zones and the impact of the Soviet Union's fall on fishing capacities are discussed. The episode also examines the dark legacy of Soviet whaling, revealing its environmental consequences and drawing connections to modern fishing practices, especially in China.
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Early Russian Fishing
- Russia's professional fishing industry dates back to the early 1800s, focusing on inland waters.
- The Caspian Sea was a major source, with salted fish shipped to cities.
Shift in Soviet Fishing
- Post-civil war, Soviet fishing shifted from inland to Far Eastern and Northern basins.
- The 1916 Murmansk Railroad opened up access to these rich, untapped waters.
Wartime Impact
- The Soviets started whaling in the early 1930s, converting an American cargo ship.
- WWII severely impacted their fleet, losing vessels and manpower, leading to reliance on Far East/Siberian grounds.