On April 11, Tynysbek Temirkhanovich Barakbayev, Deputy Director General for Innovation and Production Activities of the LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center” , participated in the I International Festival “AUYL FEST. Fish Farming – 2026.” During the event, he presented a report titled: “Fisheries of Kazakhstan: Transitioning from Capture to Industrial Aquaculture (Scientific Aspect).”

The industry is currently undergoing a period of systemic transformation. Growing demand for fish products, limited natural resources, and the increasing environmental pressure on water bodies have created an objective necessity to shift focus from wild harvesting to controlled fish farming. Science plays a pivotal role in this transition.

On April 11–12, as part of their official visit, the delegation from the Fisheries Research and Production Center (Fisheries RPC) explored cutting-edge aquaculture technologies by visiting two major production facilities.

Visit to Xinjiang Hangfu Agricultural Development Co., Ltd.
The delegation visited a farm specializing in the cultivation of Australian red-claw crayfish and narrow-clawed crayfish. Company representatives provided a detailed presentation of their innovative pond technology, which allows juveniles to reach a weight of 3 to 5 grams. To accelerate growth to marketable size, the crayfish are subsequently transported to a second production site in Hangzhou, a move necessitated by differences in natural and climatic conditions. The facility operates over 100 ponds equipped with advanced aeration systems, enabling a yield of up to 10,000 crayfish per hectare. The rearing cycle lasts approximately 12 months, during which the crayfish grow from 3 grams to a final weight of 150 grams.

Visit to Wujiaqu Jiahua Ecological Breeding Co., Ltd.
The second site visited was a farm specializing in the breeding of zander (pike-perch), European perch, carp, and paddlefish. A key highlight of this facility is its unique incubation process, which utilizes specialized substrates for egg reproduction, ensuring high efficiency and superior product quality.

The Fisheries RPC delegation closely examined the processes of incubation, feeding, and commercial rearing of zander and other fish species. They emphasized the vital importance of international knowledge exchange and the implementation of best practices to advance the aquaculture industry.

On April 9-10, 2026, an official delegation from the Fisheries Research and Production Center (Fisheries RPC) visited Shihezi University in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), PRC. The Kazakh delegation was led by Director General A.S. Suyubayev, First Deputy Director General S.Zh. Assylbekova, Executive Director K.B. Isbekov, and Leading Researcher R.T. Barakov. They were joined by M. Finogenov, Director of “IP DWS” LLP.

Host Representatives: The hosting side was represented by the Dean of the Faculty, Zhang Hui, along with Professors and Lecturers Nie Cunxi, Liu Han, and Zhao Jing. The meeting was moderated by Luo Xialing. The delegation was also welcomed by representatives of the Livestock and Fisheries Development Center of the 8th District of Shihezi, Gao Jing and Ding Yuwei.

Key Discussion Points: The parties discussed the current state of aquaculture and the development of the fisheries industry in both Kazakhstan and XUAR. Focus was placed on joint scientific projects for cultivating commercially valuable fish species (such as zander and cyprinids) and other aquatic organisms, including the Pacific freshwater shrimp and narrow-clawed crayfish.

Priority Cooperation Areas: Two main directions for future scientific collaboration were identified:

1. Cultivation of cold-water aquaculture species.

2. Development of brackish-water aquaculture.

Outcomes: The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to developing joint research projects aimed at strengthening science-business integration. The participants also discussed the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their partnership.

Field Visit: Following the official presentations, the delegation toured modern laboratory facilities and observed the working conditions of the scientific staff. The visit concluded with a trip to the “Zhong Miao” farm, which specializes in hatching Pacific freshwater shrimp larvae using tank-based technology and rearing them to market size in ponds. According to administrative data, a 0.6-hectare pond yields approximately 400 kg of marketable shrimp. In the Chinese market, these shrimps are sold at a price of 40–60 yuan per shrimp.

In accordance with the letter of the Republican State Institution “Balkhash-Alakol Interregional Basin Inspection of Fisheries” (No. 30.2-02-27/293, dated April 31, 2026), and pursuant to Clause 33 of Article 9-1 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Protection, Reproduction, and Use of Wildlife,” a monitoring mission is being conducted from April 2 to April 6.

E.T. Sansyzbayev (Head of the Ichthyology Laboratory) and R. Igilik (Acting Researcher), in collaboration with officers from the Alakol District Fisheries Inspection, are currently monitoring the gonad development of major commercial fish species within the Alakol lake system.

The objectives of this study are:

• Spawning Readiness: To determine the physiological readiness of fish for the spawning season.

• Regulatory Adjustment: To provide a scientific basis for potentially shifting the dates of the seasonal fishing ban. Due to fluctuating natural and climatic conditions, the ban period may be moved up to fifteen calendar days in either direction, without changing the total duration of the restricted period, to ensure the effective protection of wildlife during reproduction.

Since April 2, 2026, a specialized team from the Fisheries Research and Production Center has been carrying out field research at Lower and Middle Kolsay Lakes. These operations are conducted within the Kolsay Kolderi State National Nature Park, a strictly protected natural area, under the framework of Government Program 021 (Subprogram 100).

The expedition is led by Zh.M. Bakkhozha (Head of Expedition) and includes M.O. Aubakirova (Head of Hydrobiology Lab), along with researchers G.M. Ablaissova, B.S. Pangereyev, D.S. Bekturov, and assistant N.B. Abishev.

Key highlights of the mission:

• Primary Objective: Assessing the reproductive health and patterns of the trout population in the Kolsay ecosystem.

• Methodology: The team is currently collecting ichthyological, hydrobiological, and hydrochemical samples. These materials are essential for comprehensive biological analysis, including age determination, size-to-weight ratios, sex identification, maturity stages, and fecundity studies.

• Context: Located in the Kegen District of the Almaty Region, these lakes have been a site of continuous monitoring by the Center since 2017.

This ongoing research provides vital data for the sustainable management of the park’s unique aquatic biodiversity.

In accordance with the Rules for Subsidizing the Increase in Productivity and Quality of Aquaculture Products, as well as the Development of Breeding Fish Farming, approved by Order No. 412 of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated November 1, 2025, maximum allowable subsidy amounts have been established for the purchase of young fish (juveniles) for various aquaculture species.

According to the Rules, the maximum subsidy amounts per unit of juveniles are as follows:

Salmonids and their hybrids (excluding the whitefish subfamily):

• Fertilized eggs – 7 (seven) KZT per egg;
• Fingerlings (underyearlings) – 40 (forty) KZT per specimen.

Whitefish (Coregonids) and their hybrids:

• Larvae – 950,000 (nine hundred fifty thousand) KZT per 1 million units.

Sturgeons and their hybrids:

• Fertilized eggs – 15 (fifteen) KZT per egg;
• Fingerlings (underyearlings) – 180 (one hundred eighty) KZT per specimen.

Cyprinids (Carp family) and their hybrids:

• Larvae – 250,000 (two hundred fifty thousand) KZT per 1 million units;
• Fingerlings (underyearlings) – 50 (fifty) KZT per specimen;
• Yearlings – 80 (eighty) KZT per specimen.

Catfish and their hybrids:

• Fingerlings (underyearlings) – 9 (nine) KZT per specimen.

Crustaceans:

• Fertilized eggs – 5 (five) KZT per egg;
• Fingerlings (underyearlings) – 25 (twenty-five) KZT per specimen.

The implementation of these state support measures is aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of the industry, increasing production volumes, and improving the quality of aquaculture products within the country.

The staff of the LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center” sincerely congratulates Artur Nasibullauly Tumenov, Director of the West Kazakhstan Branch, on being awarded the academic title of Associate Professor in the field of “Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries”!

This well-deserved achievement confirms your high professionalism, years of dedication, and immense contribution to the development of science and education. Since 2019, Artur Nasibullauly has led the West Kazakhstan branch, bringing 19 years of scientific expertise to the role. He has published 46 articles in journals indexed by Web of Science and Scopus, authored 6 monographs, 1 teaching manual, and holds 8 innovative patents. In 2023, he was awarded the “For Irreproachable Service in Fisheries” badge by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

In his professional capacity, Artur Nasibullauly conducts large-scale work on implementing projects for the conservation and reproduction of fish resources, aquaculture development, and the integration of modern technologies into production.

Your leadership, dedication, and professional versatility serve as an inspiration to colleagues and young scientists alike! We wish you strong health, prosperity, and endless new scientific discoveries!

From March 26 to 27, 2026, the LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center” is hosting a meeting of the Scientific and Coordination Council at its main division in Almaty. The meeting is dedicated to the review and approval of work programs for Research and Development (R&D) under the scientific and technical frameworks for 2024–2026. The session is being held in a hybrid format, bringing together participants both in the hall and via online platforms.

The meeting is attended by representatives of the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as key partners and co-executing organizations, including:

• S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (NCJSC);

• Kazakh Research Veterinary Institute (LLP);

• Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology (Institution);

• Scientific and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology (LLP);

• System Research Company “Factor” (LLP).

The Agenda includes:

• Review of work programs on the topic: “Development and implementation of innovative, cost-effective technologies and new aquaculture species adapted to the natural and climatic conditions of various regions of Kazakhstan.”

  • Program Leader: Dr. Biol. Sci., Professor, Academician of the NAAN RK, S.Z. Asylbekova.

• Review of work programs on the topic: “Comprehensive studies of water bodies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources based on potential assessment and stock dynamics modeling.”

  • Program Leader: Dr. Biol. Sci., Professor, Academician of the NAAN RK, K.B. Isbekov.

• Other matters: (Review of the Collective Agreement, report on the implementation of the scientific publication plan, etc.)

Upon the conclusion of the council meetings, all work programs will be submitted to the General Director of LLP “FishRPC” for final approval.

The staff of the LLP “FishRPC” expresses its sincere appreciation and congratulates Lyudmila Ivanovna Sharapova on her retirement—a significant milestone that marks the culmination of her many years of professional service.

Lyudmila Ivanovna has dedicated many years to advancing scientific research, building a strong professional team, and strengthening the academic school in the field of hydrobiology. Under her leadership, highly qualified specialists were trained who continue to work successfully today, upholding established traditions and honorably representing national science.

She has made a significant contribution to the implementation of grant projects, the results of which are reflected in methodological manuals actively used in both practical and scientific activities. This confirms the high applied value of her research and its demand within the professional community.

Her professionalism, integrity, dedication, and attentive attitude toward colleagues and students have earned Lyudmila Ivanovna profound respect and gratitude.

The team at LLP “FishRPC” expresses its gratitude for her many years of conscientious work and substantial contribution to the development of the industry. We wish her strong health, well-being, peace of mind, and many joyful new events in her life.