The total Russian marine catch in 2003 amounted to 3.3 million mt, about the same as in 2002. Most of the catch came from the Russian EEZ (approximately 64%), while 14% came from the 200 mile zones of foreign countries, 10% from the open ocean areas outside of 200 mile limits, 7% from inland waters and 5% from freshwater basins. This amount of catch is still well below historic levels of 7 million mt in 1991.

In 2004, the Russian fleet was comprised of 3 073 vessels, of which there were 2 574 fishing vessels, 54 processing vessels, 406 freezer vessels and 39 other transport vessels. Of the 2 574 fishing vessels, 17% were large vessels (over 64 metres length overall (LOA)), 51% medium-sized (34-65 m LOA) and 32% were small vessels (24-34 metres LOA). At present, the fishing fleet is characterized by a significant number of physically worn-out and obsolete vessels. It is estimated that about 63% of total vessels are beyond the exploitation time norms for the vessel.