The first National Project Director was G.K. Kovalev, the head of GlavRybvod, appointed by the decision of Goskomrybolovstvo in 2003. In February 2005 by the decision of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia S.A. Podolyan, deputy director of Federal Fishery Agency of Russia, was appointed the National Project Director. It is unpaid position covered by the Government as an in-kind contribution to the project.

• approves of project work plans, budget revision and if it is necessary project revisions
• chairs the project Steering Committee;
• in consultation with UNDP assigns implementing agencies for the project components and coordinates their work (through the project manager);
• ensures that Russian legislation, rules and procedures are fully met in course of the project implementation.

• September 2003 - December 2004 – Synyakov Sergey Anantolievich
• January 2005 - November 2007 – Svyazhin Evgeny Vladimirovich
• November 2007 - September 2008 – Myzyrov Evgeny Lvovich
• October 2008 to the present - Pischelev Vladimir Anatolievich, Project Manager a.i./National Project Director Assistant

manages the Project Management Unit (PMU), its staff and budget;
prepares an Annual Work Plan on the basis of the Project Document, under the general supervision of the Project Steering Committee and in close consultation and coordination with the National Focal Point, GEF partners and relevant donors;
coordinates and oversees preparation of the substantive and operational reports from the Project.

ensures registration and development of the Project experts personal histories, including attendance matters, leave request registration, etc.;
supervises the execution of orders and established arrangements;
keeps and manage records/documents;
co-ordinates and assist in travel arrangements of project personnel.

prepares and conducts field surveys on Kamchatka salmonid diversity, collects and summarizes the data in database which is easily linked to Geographical Information software for GIS;
conducts economic surveys of local communities around salmonid site areas to quantity their use of salmonid resources and their current income levels;
ensures effective integration with relevant work underway by the federal government and local Administration, bilateral aid programs, researchers, NGOs and private enterprises.

ensures effective integration with local associations of indigenous people and supervises the implementation of project activities with respect to provide advice to the local and indigenous community living in project sites in how to proceed with developing alternative livelihoods;
works with indigenous communities in project areas to develop a process whereby they effectively preserve their traditional knowledge of biodiversity resources;
coordinates project activities with respect to provide participation of local and indigenous communities in project sites monitoring;
coordinates project activities with respect to sustainable fisheries and alternative livelihoods;

arranges the salmonid exhibition exposition and coordinates the work of salmon museum:
works out the interactive salmon exhibit and implements salmonid diversity and ecology curricula throughout local school curriculum;
is responsible for strengthening and promoting the public awareness of biodiversity conservation values and advocacy in support of biodiversity conservation.

prepares accounting and other financial reports;
processes contracts with experts and other sub-contractors in terms of the Project;
prepares reports on Project funds expenditures to and prepares advance requests and other necessary documentation.