The CO2 accounting methodology will be adjusted to take into account the comments of fishermen
February 13, 2025

The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has clarified its position regarding the comments from the Association of Shipowners of the Fishing Fleet (ASRF) on a draft resolution, which proposes mandatory greenhouse gas emissions assessments using a complex methodology for the fishing and fish processing industries. This was reported by the press service of the ASRF on July 24.

According to the ministry, the provisions of the methodology will be revised. The revisions will include a procedure for determining greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities, including fishing and fish processing.

The draft resolution proposes a labor-intensive method for emissions assessment, which combines both calculation-based and instrumental approaches. The ASRF expressed concerns that this could result in additional costs for setting up the accounting system and penalties for potential errors in complex calculations. If the methodology is revised to account for the specific characteristics of the industry, this issue could be resolved.

Furthermore, the ASRF noted the risks associated with the fact that the methodology for determining emissions volumes is approved not by the Ministry of Economic Development, but through an order from the Ministry of Natural Resources. In response, the Association plans to send a letter to the Ministry of Economic Development, requesting confirmation of the plans to adjust the methodology and clarification on how the revisions will be implemented.

It is important to note that the ASRF was founded in 2016 and currently unites 37 marine fishing companies. The investments of ASRF members in updating the fishing fleet and developing shore-based processing account for more than 60% of the total investments in the sector under the first stage of the investment quotas program.

Photo: RRPC