Marine fishing cluster diagnostic Study

5.2.
 
PRODUCTION PLAN 
Production plans of SMFCs and LHCs are entirely dependent on the annual fish capturing quota set by 
the state. 12% out of total quota/license is shared to SMFCs and they basically supply LHCs with the 
catch. Some of them have refrigerators and freeze certain quantity of fish. The fulfilment of the 
remaining quota is made by LHCs using both their own ships, and mainly through hiring Turkish ships that 
are much better equipped and represent higher technology vessels. 

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5.3.
 
UTILIZATION OF CAPACITY 
SMFCs and LHCs fully utilize their capacities, based on their current capabilities. The amount of fish 
captured by SMFCs is almost completely sold out to LHCs that sell nearly all fish-derived products on 
export each year. 
The abovementioned five LHCs are nearly with equal production scales. 88% of total annual fish quota 
set by National Environmental Agency (NEA) is allocated to the following companies: Geofish Company; 
Iceberg; MBM; Paliastomi 2004, and Zgvis Produqtebi. 
Picture 1: Production Facilities of „Geofish“ Company Picture 2: Production Facilities of „Zgvis Produktebi“ company 
5.4.
 
SEASONALITY
Fish capturing and processing are characterized by seasonality. The principal period of marine fishing 
season in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region lasts for 6 to 7 months, from November to May. There are 
some fishing activities in summer as well, but not all cluster members go for fishing during this period. 
The season period is very busy for LHCs. Starting from November, they have non-stop production until 
the last batch of captured fish enters the facility. Off-season period is used for essential renovation and 
preparatory processes, such as ship repairing and processing machinery maintenance for getting ready 
for the next season.