Today, November 28, 2024, the FAO delegation arrived on a working visit to the Head Office of the FishRPC to discuss the implementation of the FAO project “Transforming Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture in Kazakhstan to Ensure Environmental Sustainability”. The following project components were discussed:

Component 1: Management Systems – Strengthening the enabling environment to support the sustainable development of the inland fisheries and aquaculture sector through the introduction and implementation of ecosystem approaches to aquaculture and fisheries.

Component 2: Building Institutional and Technical Capacity – Strengthening institutional capacity for planning, conservation, management and sustainable development of aquatic resources.

Component 3: Value Chain Development: Technical Support Program and Piloting Innovative Climate Adaptation Methods in the Aquaculture and Culture-Based Fisheries Production Sectors.

Composition of the FAO delegation:

• Thomas Shipton, International Consultant on Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Gulnar Tleuova, National Project Coordinator
• Aisha Sakhmetova, Programme Assistant
• Kadyrbek Iskaliev, Expert on Value Chain in Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Erlan Kegenov, Consultant on Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

Participated in the discussion:

• Isbekov K.B., Doctor of Biological Sciences, General Director of FishRPC,
• Asylbekova S.Zh., Doctor of Biological Sciences, Deputy General Director of FishRPC,
• Mukhramova A.A., PhD Chief Scientific Secretary of FishRPC,
• Employees of the aquaculture laboratory and heads of structural divisions of FishRPC,
• Tursynali M. – Director of the branch for Almaty region Republican Association of Fisheries and Aquaculture “Qazaq balyk”;
• Shadibekov A.K. – Director of the Kapshagay fisheries spawning and rearing farm.
• Abdybekova A.M., Doctor of Biological Sciences, Deputy General Director of KazNIVI LLP,
• Kydyrmanov A.I., Doctor of Biological Sciences, head of the laboratory of the Scientific and Production Center of Microbiology and Virology LLP.

Today, November 25, 2024, the head office of the LLP «Fisheries Research and Production Center» (Almaty) is holding a meeting of the Academic Council to review and approve biological justifications for program 021, subprogram 100 “Ensuring the conservation, reproduction and rational use of wildlife resources” for the lot “Determining the fish productivity of fishery reservoirs and / or their sections, developing biological justifications for maximum permissible catches of fish and other aquatic animals, the regime and regulation of fishing in fishery reservoirs of international, republican importance and reservoirs of protected areas, as well as assessing the state of fish resources in reserve reservoirs of local importance.”

This work was carried out by order of the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The following persons participate in the work of the Academic Council in person:

• Representative of the Customer, Acting Head of the Department for the Protection of Fish Resources and Fisheries Regulation of the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kalmuratov M.K.;
• Chairman of the Board of the Merger of legal entities “Republican Association of Fisheries and Aquaculture “Qazaq balyk” Rysbaev A.Zh.;
• Head of the Balkhash-Alakol Interregional Basin Inspection Suyubaev A.S.;
• Head of the Aral-Syrdarya Interregional Basin Inspection Nalibaev P.M.;
• Head of the Zaysan-Ertis Interregional Basin Inspection Rakhimzhanov T.T.
• Deputy head of the Yesil Interregional Basin Inspection Yesimseitov M.B.
• Head of the Zhaiyk-Caspian Interregional Basin Inspection Gaisin N.A.
• Head of the Tobol-Torgay Interregional Basin Inspection Beysimbaev S.Zh.
• Head of the Shu-Talas interregional basin inspection Kabdugaliev A.A.
• Head of the Nura-Sarysu interregional basin inspection Orakbaev G.Zh.
• Head of the Karaganda region UPRRP Sanbaev B.Zh.

Online participation is taken by:

– chief expert of the department for the protection of fish resources and regulation of fisheries of the Committee of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan Makhmetov I.S., representatives of all interregional basin inspections and research staff of the branches of LLP “FishRPC”.

Based on the results of the work of the Academic Council, the reviewed biological justifications will be sent to the Customer for approval of the limit for the period from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026 in the fishery waters of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

A seminar on the topic: “Innovations in fisheries and aquaculture as a key component of sustainable aquafood systems” was held from October 20 to 26 at “Innovations in Fisheries and Aquaculture as a Key Component of Sustainable Aquafood Systems” (University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Fisheries and Water Protection, Vodnany, Czech Republic).

The seminar was attended by a senior researcher at the hydrobiology laboratory of the FishRPC, PhD M.O. Aubakirova

The following issues were discussed at the seminar:

1. Fish diseases in aquaculture and modern methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment;
2. Aquaculture without waste: aquaponics, multitrophic systems, waste disposal;
3. Induced sterility in aquaculture – methods, problems and prospects;
4. Diversification of inland aquaculture: increasing fish productivity using In-Pond Raceway technology and the “selective breeding” program;
5. Innovative feeds for promising aquaculture objects and their impact on fish productivity;
6. Methods of cryopreservation of sexual products of males of various fish species and preservation of genetic diversity in situ.

In addition, during the seminar, practical classes were held on artificial insemination and incubation of eggs of various fish species in fish farms.

FishRPC within the framework of the research and technical program for 2024-2026 “Development and implementation of innovative technologies and new aquaculture objects, cost-effective in the natural and climatic conditions of various regions of Kazakhstan” (IRN: BR23591065) conducts research with new aquaculture objects of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Rosenberg freshwater shrimp and tench.

At the basic fish farm of LLP “Kapshagay NVH-1973” research has been completed on the project “Testing and implementation of effective biotechnical methods for growing promising aquaculture objects in the conditions of fish farms of Kazakhstan with their genetic identification use DNA markers”.

On October 17, 2024, employees of the aquaculture laboratory of FishRPC head of laboratory Abilov B.I., senior researcher Badryzlova N.S., research associates Bulavin E.F., Khalelov A.T., Barakov R.T. carried out the final catch of the experimental pond, trays and pools of the mini RAS at the fish farm and carried out the assessment of the research objects (tench and Rosenberg freshwater shrimp).

Employees of the FishRPC (head of the expedition team Minat A., head of the expedition team – Karlybayuly S., head of the expedition team – Makambetov S.Zh., junior researcher Otegen S.A., laboratory assistant-driver Sakharin N.K.) have been conducting research work from September 12 to the present time for the purpose of certification of local water bodies in Almaty region.

The work is carried out under an agreement with the Department of Natural Resources and Nature Management Regulation of Almaty Region.

The following types of work are carried out on the water bodies:

– collection and processing of hydrochemical samples (water);

– collection and processing of hydrobiological samples (zooplankton and zoobenthos);

– sampling of natural reproduction of juvenile fish using a dragnet in shallow waters of local water bodies in the Almaty region;

– net installations for assessing commercial fish stocks.

Based on the results of the work, passports of the studied water bodies will be issued.

FishRPC has successfully created a unique information and system web application on the topic “Fish resources of the West Kazakhstan region” within the framework of the program BR21882122 “Sustainable development of natural-economic and socio-economic systems of the West Kazakhstan region in the context of green growth: comprehensive analysis, concept, forecast estimates and scenarios”. This project provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the state of aquatic ecosystems, bioresources and fish stocks of the region, which opens up opportunities for effective management of natural resources and ensuring sustainable development.

The GIS platform covers a wide range of data. Includes observation stations and information on the state of zoobenthos, zooplankton and phytoplankton. The Shannon-Weaver information index is used to assess biodiversity, dividing objects into categories: >2.5 bits/mg for zoobenthos and >15 bits/mg for zooplankton indicate high biodiversity, while values ​​<0.1 and <0 bits/mg indicate a critical state of the ecosystem. Phytoplankton is also assessed using gradation: a value of >3.5 bits/mg indicates a healthy state of the reservoir, while a value of <1.56 bits/mg signals degradation.

Particular attention is paid to monitoring water pollution, bottom sediments and fish muscle tissue at various stations. Total pollution indicators vary from <3.5 mg/kg to >10 mg/kg in muscle tissue and from <50 mg/kg to >200 mg/kg for bottom sediments, which allows identifying potential sources of pollution. An important element is the use of the Water Body Pollution Index (WBI) for small reservoirs, rivers and the Kazakhstani part of the Caspian Sea. According to the WBI, the objects are divided into classes: normatively clean, moderately polluted and polluted.

The platform also includes data on the migration routes of semi-anadromous and sturgeon fish, which are important for preserving biodiversity, and describes ecologically sensitive zones and sea channels where special monitoring is required. Catches are recorded at stations with a classification by intensity: from <1 kg/net for 12 hours to >10 kg/net, which helps to assess the state of fish stocks and the efficiency of fishing.

An important component of the project is the analysis of aquaculture, reproduction, processing and fishing enterprises located in the region. The system allows tracking the number, capacity and distribution of these enterprises and assessing the overall fishery potential. Fish productivity of the sites is also assessed: sites with a value of >10 kg/ha demonstrate high potential, while values ​​of <10 kg/ha require additional measures to restore productivity.

The GIS project covers key water bodies of the region, including the Caspian Sea, the Zhaiyk, Kigash and Kushum rivers, the Kirovskoye, Dongelek, Pyatimarskoye and Aktobe reservoirs, as well as the Shalkar, Baitakkol and Karmakkol lakes. This allows for a complete picture of the state of natural capital and ecosystem services in each of the regions of Western Kazakhstan: West Kazakhstan, Atyrau, Mangistau and Aktobe regions.

The web application is located on the official website of the program https://ecokazwest.kz/region/65d20963577d62f2b15fbdb1 and LLP “FishRPC” https://fishrpc.kz/, which allows users to get full access to data and analysis tools: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=aeaa00ea3c1f4f2784a749df450e44c2

On October 16, 2024, at the FishRPC, members of the Local Ethics Committee in a mixed format (online and offline) reviewed the project “Development of recipes and implementation of technology for the production of commercial feed using non-traditional raw materials for growing freshwater Rosenberg shrimp”, planned for the grant funding competition for 2025-2027 (MNVO RK).

The committee consists of:

The chairman of the Ethics Committee is Deputy Director General, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Asylbekova S.Zh., Deputy Director General of KazNIVI, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Abdybekova A.M., Head of the Microbiology and Virology Lab, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Kydyrmanov A.I., Chief Research Secretary, PhD Mukhramova A.A., Head of the Lab. aquaculture, PhD Abilov B.I., head of the ichthyology lab Sansyzbaev E.T., head of the genetics of hydrobionts lab Adyrbekova K.B., head of the hydroanalytics lab, PhD Dolgopolova S.Yu.

The presentation was given by the project manager, PhD, research assistant of the aquaculture laboratories Maratova G.M.

According to the decision of the ethics committee: the project complies with ethical standards, during the study, research work will be carried out without causing damage to the environment and the object of study. The presented project has been approved by the ethics committee.

On October 14, 2024, an online seminar was held at the FishRPC: “Gammarus: biology, significance, features of research organization.” The speakers of the seminar were Viktor Vladimirovich Fefelov (head of the Petropavlovsk support point of the Northern branch) and Danil Aleksandrovich Kostyuchenko (researcher of the Altai branch). The seminar discussed the features of the biology and distribution of gammarus, as well as conducting research aimed at studying it, and considered the general scheme for the extraction and sale of gammarus products. The speakers of the seminar answered questions of interest.

The seminar was held within the framework of the scientific and technical program for 2024-2026: “Comprehensive studies of water bodies for the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic biological resources based on an assessment of their potential and modeling of stock dynamics” (IRN: BR23591095), on the task (project): “Study of biological and consumer characteristics of an export-oriented bioresource – gammarus for the development of recommendations for its effective use in water bodies of Kazakhstan”.

Chaired by the Deputy Director General, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Asylbekova S.Zh., in order to ensure that the qualifications of employees correspond to the positions they hold and their career prospects, to assess the level of their professional training and in connection with the expiration of their term in the FishRPC after the Meeting of the Research Council, Certification of employees was held.

The certification was attended by branch directors, employes who had worked in the FishRPC for at least 3 months, as well as employees who had not passed recertification at the beginning of the year.

The main principles of certification are transparency, collegiality, and consistency.

The objectives of certification are:

– objective assessment of the professional level of employees and their compliance with the positions they hold;

– identification of problem areas of the FishRPC;

– identification of prospects for the most effective use of employees, stimulation of their business activity and professional growth;

– increasing the level of professional competence and responsibility for the results of the work performed;

— objective personnel placement of employees of FishRPC, planning of further employment in positions in the organizational structures of FishRPC.

Certification results: All employees of FishRPC passed the certification and confirmed their suitability for the positions held.

Today, 07.10.2024, the Head Office (Almaty) is holding a Research/Coordination Council to review reports on research work within the framework of research and technical programs for 2024-2026. The meeting is held in offline and online formats.

The meeting is held with the in-person participation of the Deputy Chairman of the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bakhiyanov A.K., online participation of representatives of the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Kalmuratov M.K., Makhmetov I.S., Zhubaev A.B., Duysenbay B.B., Baylina G.Zh. Also, the Chairman of the Board of the “ALE “Republican Association of Fisheries and Aquaculture “Qazaq balyk” Rysbaev A.Zh. is taking part.

On the agenda:

– Consideration of research reports on the topic: “Development and implementation of innovative technologies and new aquaculture facilities that are cost-effective in the natural and climatic conditions of various regions of Kazakhstan” (IRN: BR23591065), program manager: Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences RK Asylbekova S.Zh.;

– Consideration of research reports on the topic: “Comprehensive studies of water bodies for the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic biological resources based on an assessment of their potential and modeling of stock dynamics” (IRN: BR23591095), program manager: Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences RK Isbekov K.B.

 The research reports approved by the Research Council will be approved by the General Director of FishRPC and sent to the Customer.