July 12 — Fisherman’s Day

Every year on the second Sunday of July in Russia Fisherman's Day is celebrated — a professional holiday for everyone whose activities are related to fishing. The fishing industry is not merely resource extraction, but a centuries-old tradition that provides the population with one of the most valuable food products.

Interesting facts:

1. Fresh smelt smells like fresh cucumber thanks to cucumber aldehyde — the fattier the fish, the stronger the aroma. The scent is at its strongest immediately after the catch, weakens over time, and disappears completely when the fish spoils.
2. Karelian trout is the jewel of northern waters. It inhabits only crystal-clear water, changes color for camouflage, can reach 1 meter in length and live at depths of up to 100 meters. It is an active predator, capable of eating up to half its own weight in a day, and its flesh is rich in omega-3 and vitamins A, D, E and B₁₂.
3. According to Rosrybolovstvo, in 2025 Russian fishermen set a new record for pollock catch. The catch volume exceeded 2,1 млн тонн — this is the best result in the last 25 years.
4. Pink salmon is one of the most numerous species of Pacific salmon. It received its name from the hump that develops on males during the spawning period.
5. Atlantic cod is valued for its lean white flesh and liver. It is harvested from the Bay of Biscay to the Barents Sea, and the main supply center in Russia is Murmansk. The fish's name, according to one version, is associated with the cracking sounds of huge shoals during spawning; according to another, its flesh, when dried, breaks into fibers resembling chips. V. I. Dahl explicitly noted in his dictionary: «Named "treska" because when dried it splinters like wood».

We sincerely congratulate all workers of the fishing industry on their professional holiday! We wish you good health, reliable crews, bountiful catches, safe voyages and stable, calm weather in all seas. May your work bring satisfaction, and may each season conclude with worthy results!