First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov relayed Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's congratulations on the occasion of the fishermen's professional holiday.

In his speech, Mr Zubkov said, in part:

"Today, we celebrate your professional holiday together, Fishermen's Day.

It has become a good tradition to honour the best fishermen in the industry on this day.

Among you are representatives of various professions: fishery biologists, fish farmers, scientists, instructors, engineers, captains, ship's mechanics, master fishermen and fish conservation technicians and inspectors.

But everyone gathered here is united by one quality: you are not only professionals in your field, but you love your work in the fishing industry and you are very good at it.

The work of the Russian fishing industry is improving with every year. Despite the objective economic difficulties last year, the sector is seeing some good figures. Catches are growing, production is growing, the range of products is expanding and its quality is improving, and the technical upgrading of vessels and on-shore processing plants is ongoing.

The source of every number, every figure is your daily effort and the results of the work of the industry regulator, the Federal Agency for Fishery.

I want to emphasise that the fishing sector remains a priority for developing the Russian economy. The government has determined the main aspects of government policy in this field. A concept and strategy for the development of the sector have been approved and a five-year plan is being implemented.

Our common goal is to meet the target figures and ultimately provide Russians with quality fish products at affordable prices.

In order to do this, we will have to increase use of the existing raw materials base, renovate and modernise the shoreline infrastructure and fleet, modernise existing processing plants and build new ones and improve transport logistics.

We will pay particular attention to recruiting young experts for the sector and increasing the prestige of the fishermen's hard work.

I am convinced that with your involvement and informal approach to business, we will be able to complete these tasks.

On behalf of the Russian government, I would like to once again express our gratitude to all workers in the fishing industry for your dedicated effort and congratulate all the representatives of the sector on your professional holiday."