Mr Zubkov and the members of the commission discussed measures to prevent illegal fishing and the smuggling of fish by vessels sailing under so-called "flags of convenience."

"Comprehensive measures are needed to counter this activity," Mr Zubkov stated during his introductory remarks.

"These vessels seldom comply with international maritime, safety and environmental regulations," said the First Deputy Prime Minister. "In recent years, an increased number of vessels sailing under flags of convenience, which poach and smuggle fish to international ports, have been arrested in the Russian economic zone."

"More active interaction between Russia's supervision and law-enforcement agencies alone is not enough to address this issue comprehensively," stated Mr Zubkov. Accordingly, he suggested discussing the possibility of toughening laws against law-breakers, and emphasized the need to boost international cooperation with the countries that are represented by the "flags of convenience" and consume the poached fish.

Mr Zubkov drew the attention of those at the meeting to several articles in the Russian media about the low quality of retail fish products. "It is necessary to develop and implement a set of measures to change the situation fundamentally," said the First Deputy Prime Minister. Mr Zubkov also insisted that this issue should be included in the agenda of the Commission's next meeting in September