
Throughout Europe and the USA the principle of catch & release fishing is well-known and widely practiced. Slowly but surely the principle is gaining acceptance throughout Russia. The principle requires that regardless of appearance, size, or gender, caught fish are released unharmed back into the water. Philosophically, the act of ‘catching’ the fish becomes the goal, replacing the need to kill the fish. While the motivation was once purely ethical, there is now a proven economic imperative to support the principle. Catch & release makes it possible to give more fisherman an increased opportunity to catch a far greater number of fish. Reduction of the overall population is minimized, and the potential for fish to reproduce successfully is greatly enhanced.
The Russian Salmon Association supports all organizations that help to promote the development and popularization of recreational fishing opportunities that embrace the principle of catch & release.

- Depletion of Natural Resources – The accelerated depletion of natural resources requires immediate attention. Given that it is difficult to take into account the specific requirements of every water body, and given that it is a challenge to control regulation compliance by each individual fisherman, the impact of personal ethical responsibility and prudence becomes of critical importance.
- Growing Popularity of Fishing as a Leisure Activity – More and more people across the cultural demographics are becoming interested in fishing. As it is nearly impossible to control the behavior of each individual fisherman, uniform acceptance of consistent ethical principles across the demographics can have widespread positive impact.