The stocks of coho salmon in Russian waters of the Northwest Pacific are in good condition. Most major stocks in eastern and western Kamchatka are at a sustainable level and meet the target levels for the number of returning spawning fish. In some rivers in western Kamchatka, however, numbers remain just below the desired level.
Fishing with drift gillnets has bycatch of vulnerable (ETP) species, but the extent is unknown due to the absence of an observer programme. Discards are expected to be limited and the catch consists almost entirely of target species. Drift gillnets do not cause damage to the seabed and CO₂ emissions are low. The risk of ghost fishing from lost fishing gear is, however, high.
Management is considered largely effective. Stocks are regularly monitored and the fishery is adjusted according to the number of returning spawning fish. Enforcement and efforts to combat illegal fishing remain a concern, however. Part of the fishery is MSC-certified and several FIPs are also underway.