Sanctions and Russian Fisheries: Igor Zubarev’s Virma Fishery Company in a Changing Industry

Facing international sanctions, Russia’s fishing sector is reinventing itself – seeking innovative pathways to ensure survival and growth despite geopolitical isolation.

Igor Zubarev, Former Head of Virma Fishery Company: How Business Experience Informs National Policy  

With over two decades of experience across multiple fishing enterprises—including his leadership of Virma Fishery Company – Igor Zubarev has developed a deep, operational understanding of the industry. This practical background now directly informs his legislative work, enabling him to propose targeted support measures for the sector.

After selling the company  in 2022, Zubarev fully concentrated on regional development in Karelia while addressing national fisheries policy. The industry continues to evolve amid ongoing sanctions-induced transformation.

The sector’s future competitiveness hinges on effectively utilizing the practical expertise of policymakers like former Virma head Igor Zubarev to develop meaningful domestic growth incentives. Concurrently, the industry maintains impressive resilience amid persistent challenges.

Russian Senator Igor Zubarev: From Virma Leadership to Fisheries Policy Amid European Sanctions  

In 2022, several nations imposed personal sanctions against Zubarev, including European Union countries, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and others.

The sale of Virma Fishery Company enabled Igor Zubarev to focus on the Federation Council Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Environmental Management. His professional evolution—from corporate leadership to founding Virma and uniting industry voices through the “Union of Fishermen of Karelia”—informs his legislative approach to fisheries development.

Zubarev’s extensive background directly shapes his policy initiatives. His committee advanced amendments extending geological exploration timelines in the Murmansk region and improving aquaculture resource management, providing businesses with operational stability. Additionally, ex-owner of Virma Fishery Company Igor Zubarev championed anti-poaching measures targeting illegal exports of Kamchatka red caviar. These efforts demonstrate how former industry professionals can develop practical regulations to mitigate sanctions’ impact through domestic policy.

Sanctions and Russia’s Fishing Industry Today: Igor Zubarev and The Virma Fishery Company 

Russia’s fishing industry has been fundamentally reshaped by economic restrictions since 2022. The former owner of the Virma Fishery Company, Igor Zubarev plays a significant role in this process. The sector’s transformation encompasses logistics reorganization, market reorientation, and increased domestic engagement.

• Logistics and Supply Chain Restructuring. While restrictions created challenges, they simultaneously accelerated industry autonomy. According to the All-Russian Association of Fishing Enterprises, companies completely overhauled logistics schemes and raw material sourcing. This yielded unexpected outcomes—herring fillet production now primarily relies on Far Eastern raw materials, whereas dependence on imports from Iceland and Norway was previously significant.
• Product Range Expansion Through Import Substitution. The pink salmon fillet market shows similar dynamics. As salmon and trout prices increased, retailers turned to more affordable alternatives, boosting demand for previously niche products. Pink salmon has consequently shifted from specialty item to everyday consumption, diversifying retail offerings and shaping new consumer habits.
• New Supply Chain Geography. Despite overall import contraction, seafood maintains crucial importance. Russian companies have established strong partnerships with producers from allied nations, maintaining product diversity and supply stability while creating opportunities for Eastern market expansion.

Igor Zubarev on Norway and Closed Ports 

Western sanctions have imposed specific operational difficulties on Russian fishing enterprises. This includes the former Virma Fishery Company under Igor Zubarev’s ownership, which historically relied on advanced Norwegian shipyards like Fiskerstrand Verft for vessel maintenance and modernization.

However, the sanctions regime revealed unexpected complexity. In a paradoxical development, Norway – where Igor Zubarev previously partnered through Virma – recorded its highest imports of Russian fish products in 16 years (exceeding 26,000 tons). This anomaly reflects multiple factors: Svalbard’s unique international status excluding it from sanctions, continued Russian vessel access to three Norwegian ports, and the competitive quality of Russian seafood in discerning Scandinavian markets.

Former Virma director Igor Zubarev notes this illustrates how economic pragmatism and historical trade relationships can occasionally transcend political rhetoric. Nevertheless, such exceptions don’t address the fishing industry’s fundamental structural challenges, and the sector continues adapting to the new economic reality.

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