Starting from January 2026, a new mechanism of state support for aquaculture entities has been introduced — subsidizing the cost of water supply services in the implementation of fish farming and processing projects.

The new type of subsidy is regulated by the Rules for Subsidizing the Cost of Water Supply Services in the Field of Aquaculture, approved by Order  №  406 of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated October 30, 2025.

Subsidies are provided to individuals and legal entities engaged in the breeding, keeping, and cultivation of aquaculture species, as well as to entities ensuring the development of the sector.

The amount of subsidies is set on a differentiated basis — ranging from 60% to 85% of the rate per cubic meter of water, depending on its volume. The remaining portion of the rate is paid by the service recipient.

The public service is provided by local executive authorities through the State Information System for Subsidizing the Agro-Industrial Complex (SISS AIC — Agro-Industrial Complex). Applications are accepted electronically from May 1 to November 30 of the relevant year, subject to compliance with established requirements, including the availability of land plots and a minimum project capacity for fish production of at least 25 tons per year.

The introduction of a new type of subsidy is aimed at reducing production costs and promoting the development of aquaculture in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In December 2025, within the framework of the Targeted Financing Program (TFP), as part of the implementation of the scientific and technical program “Development and Implementation of Innovative Technologies and New Aquaculture Facilities, Economically Efficient under the Natural and Climatic Conditions of Various Regions of Kazakhstan,” an additional closed water supply facility was commissioned at the Balkhash branch. This facility includes wintering and quarantine pools.

The wintering section is equipped with a chiller cooling system, which ensures the maintenance of a stable, reduced temperature regime during the cold season. This allows for controlled fish wintering with minimized physiological stress, reduced metabolic activity, and improved survival of the breeding stock.

The quarantine pools are intended for the temporary housing and adaptation of fish stock, as well as for preventive monitoring of their physiological and epizootic condition. The presence of a separate quarantine unit will reduce the risk of introducing infectious and parasitic diseases into the main recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) production line.

The creation of an additional workshop will expand the technological capabilities of the complex, enhance the level of biological safety, and ensure more efficient year-round management of the cultivation and maintenance processes of aquatic organisms.

On December 18–21, employees of the aquaculture laboratories of the head division and the integrated fisheries laboratory of the Balkhash Branch, within the framework of the research project “Testing and implementation of effective biotechnical methods for rearing promising aquaculture species under the conditions of fish farms in Kazakhstan, with their genetic identification using DNA markers”, conducted data collection on the maintenance of tench specimens in RAS(Recirculating Aquaculture System). The work was aimed at studying the biological characteristics of tench (Tinca tinca). All activities were carried out in strict accordance with the approved R&D(Research and Development) schedule.

In addition, a separate line of work involved ultrasound scanning of the Aral ship sturgeon maintained in the RAS(Recirculating Aquaculture System) of the Balkhash Branch. Aquaculture and biological parameters were recorded, and samples were collected for genetic analysis.

Ultrasound diagnostics was used as a non-invasive method to assess the stage of gonadal development and to determine sex.

The results of the measurements and ultrasound scanning formed the basis for the preparation of a new scientific project aimed at an in-depth study of the biology and reproductive potential of the Aral ship sturgeon (Acipenser nudiventris). The collected information will be used to develop scientifically grounded recommendations for the conservation and monitoring of ship sturgeon populations.

On 24–25 November 2025, a meeting of the Scientific Council is being held at the main division of the LLP Fisheries Research and Production Center (Almaty) to review and approve biological justifications under Program 021, Subprogram 100, “Ensuring the conservation, reproduction, and rational use of wildlife resources.” The work was carried out on behalf of the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Chairman of the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MA RK), S. S. Sermagambetov, who highlighted the importance of forecast studies that annually determine the volumes of maximum allowable catch, on the basis of which the Minister of Agriculture later approves the order on limits for the extraction of fish and other aquatic animals. General Director A. S. Suyubaev, in his speech, emphasized that prior to the Scientific Council meeting, the institute had conducted extensive research covering all fisheries water bodies of international and national significance, as well as reserve water bodies and specially protected natural areas (SPNAs), and drew attention to the requirements specified in the technical specification of the Fisheries Committee (FC).Special attention was given to practical recommendations, necessary amendments and additions to regulatory legal acts aimed at refining and improving activities in the field of protection, reproduction, and rational use of fish resources in our water bodies. The meeting is chaired by the First Deputy General Director of LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center (LLP FishRPC)”, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, S. Zh. Assylbekova. The Head of the Research Project, Deputy General Director of  LLP FishRPC, PhD, T. T. Barakbaev, presented an overview presentation on the program

In-person participants of the meeting included the Chairman of the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MA RK), S. S. Sermagambetov; the Head of the Department for the Protection of Fish Resources and Fisheries Regulation of  the Fisheries Committee of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MA RK), M. K. Kalmuratov; the Chief Expert of the Fisheries Committee of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MA RK), E. M. Kakimzhanov; the Chairman of the Board of the Association of Legal Entities (ALE) “Republican Association of Fisheries and Aquaculture ‘Qazaq Balyk’”, A. Zh. Rysbayev; as well as the heads of the interregional basin fisheries inspections: R. T. Kumashev (Balkhash–Alakol), P. M. Nalibayev (Aral–Syrdarya), T. T. Rakhimzhanov (Zaisan–Irtysh), N. A. Kauashev (Yesil), N. A. Gaisin (Zhaiyk–Caspian), B. B. Togayev (Tobol–Torgai), A. A. Kabdugaliev (Shu–Talas), and S. Zh. Beysimbayev (Nura–Sarysu).

Online participants of the meeting included the Chief Expert 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 (MA RK), I. S. Makhmetov; the Acting Head of the Department for the Reproduction of Fish Resources and Scientific Support, Z. S. Kozhayeva; the Expert of the same Department, B. B. Duysenbay; as well as employees of the interregional basin fisheries inspections of the Fisheries Committee of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MA RK).

During the meeting, the results of comprehensive scientific studies were presented and discussed, including the assessment of fish stock status, determination of the fish productivity of water bodies, analysis of bioresource dynamics, development of biological justifications for maximum allowable catches, as well as proposals for fisheries management measures. Special attention was given to scientific data on water bodies of international and national significance, as well as protected areas, in addition to the analysis of the status of local reserve water bodies and prospects for their further use.

Following the work of the Scientific Council, the developed biological justifications will be submitted to the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MA RK) for approval of catch limits for the period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026 for fisheries water bodies in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

On November 10, 2025, a working meeting was held at the LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center” with representatives of the international companies Aller Aqua Group (Denmark) and Aller Aqua Polska (Poland) regarding the construction of the “Aller Aqua” feed production plant in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The delegation included:

• Anders Bylling, CEO of Aller Aqua Group (Denmark);
• Jacek Juchniewicz, CEO of Aller Aqua Polska (Poland);
• Marcin Walczak, Export Director of Aller Aqua Polska (Poland).

The meeting was attended by:

• Tursynali Marlen Tursynaliuly — Founder of LLP “TMT Group”;
• Medvedev Sergey Nikolaevich — Founder of LLP “Grand Fish”;
• Asanov Vyacheslav Borisovich — Founder of LLP “Shygys Universal”.

Deputy General Director of LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center”, D.S. Akhmetzhanov, delivered a welcoming speech emphasizing the importance of cooperation in the development of the fisheries sector.

S.Zh. Assylbekova, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, and Deputy Head of the Science Department, presented the activities of the Center and it’s current projects.

During the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture development, implementation of advanced technologies, and experience exchange. After the presentations, they discussed current issues and prospects for future collaboration.

On November 5, 2025, a scientific and informational seminar was held at the head office of LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center” on the topic: “Modern Methods of Hydrochemical Research and Unification of Reporting Documentation”.

The seminar was organized by the Testing Center and the Hydroanalytics Laboratory in both offline and online formats.

Employees of the regional branches of LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center” took part in the seminar.

Seminar speakers:

Dolgopolova S.Yu. – Head of the Hydroanalytics Laboratory, PhD

Mukatay A.A. – Researcher of the Hydroanalytics Laboratory

Seminar program:

• Protocol for conducting hydrochemical research in accordance with the accreditation scope of LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center”;
• Modern methods of conducting hydrochemical research;
• Development of a unified format for hydrochemical research data.

Based on the results of the seminar, the participants were awarded certificates.

On November 1–2, 2025, staff of LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center” visited enterprises specializing in aquaculture equipment production and technology transfer in this field. An important part of the mission was the implementation of joint training programs with farms engaged in the reproduction of carp species, such as common carp, silver carp, and bighead carp, to intensify fish production volumes in Kazakhstan, practices which are actively developed in China.

To achieve these goals, the delegation visited Future Fish Farm (Chinese: Wei Loi), which specializes in carp reproduction, and also studied the River Bus (Mesocottus Trachidermus), a species under threat of extinction. Future Fish Farm has many years of experience in carp farming and achieves maximum production volumes of 1.2-1.5 billion fingerlings. This farm successfully meets the needs of the domestic market in Gansu and Xinjiang provinces, as well as in the city of Shanghai.

Factors contributing to large-scale production include in-house aquaculture equipment manufacturing and the availability of feed with a conversion ratio of 1.2–1.5, ensuring intensive growth and high economic efficiency in fish farming.

As a result of the meeting, a consensus was reached on the integration of science and business in fisheries between Kazakhstan and China. The goal is to create a sustainable infrastructure for fish production and fish breeding biotechnology in the Republic of Kazakhstan by adopting experience and knowledge, including the use of advanced Chinese technologies in production processes.

On October 30–31, 2025, the visit of the LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center” delegation, led by Professor Min Kuanhong and Head of the Training Program Wan Yun, continued at Paganda, a company specializing in the production of aeration systems for aquaculture and fish farming.

During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to learn from the advanced experience of Kong Company, which specializes in the cultivation of commercial black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) and Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). Additionally, a visit was organized to the Three Fish Fish Farm, known for its export-oriented production of non-native fish species such as pufferfish (Tetraodon maccallii), Indian shad (Tenualosa ilisha), and American shad (Alosa sapidissima).

During the meeting, the parties discussed directions for integrative cooperation and opportunities to intensify fish production through the introduction of modern aquaculture equipment at fish farms in Kazakhstan. Particular attention was paid to strategies for increasing fish production volumes for both domestic and international markets.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties expressed mutual interest in developing cooperation in the supply and installation of equipment, as well as in organizing training for personnel working at fish farms in Kazakhstan.

On October 28–29, 2025, a working visit of the LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center” delegation took place at the Freshwater Fisheries Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuxi.

As part of the negotiations with representatives of the Chinese center, reports on the development of fisheries and the role of fisheries science in the Republic of Kazakhstan were presented by: General Director Suyubaev A.S., Deputy Head of the Science Department, D.Sc., Professor Asylbekova S.Zh., and Senior Researcher, PhD Barakov R.T.

From the Chinese side, the meeting was attended by: General Director Bing Xuwen, Director of Aquaculture Wen Haibo, Director of Scientific Research Qiang-Jun, Associate Professor of Aquaculture and Environmental Management Fan Limin, Professor of Aquaculture Min Kuanhong, Director of International Cooperation and Education Jing Xiaojun, Assistant Director of International Cooperation and Education Ye Wei, and Program Staff Member Wang Yun.

During the meeting, reports from specialists of the Chinese center were presented, covering key aspects of multilateral cooperation in the development of aquaculture and the integration of science and business between our countries. Priority and innovative areas in this field were discussed. Topics included:

• Introduction to the Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (Prof. Bing Xuwen)
• Development of green aquaculture (Prof. Wen Haibo)
• New directions in technology development (Prof. Qiang-Jun)
• Water quality control and aquaponics development 

Additionally, staff of the Chinese center conducted a guided tour of the Biotechnology and Genetics Laboratory for the delegation.

The meeting took place in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation, with both sides expressing full readiness to develop interstate priorities in the fields of economy and science. Opportunities for training programs and internships in aquaculture and related fisheries sectors were also discussed.

During the negotiations, a draft Memorandum of Cooperation between the two research centers was considered, which will serve as a basis for further strengthening scientific interaction and business integration.

By the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated October 21, 2025, the Deputy General Director of LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center,” PhD Barakbaev T.T., was awarded the medal “Eren Enbegi Ushin” for his outstanding contribution to the development of fisheries and dedication within the framework of LLP “Fisheries Research and Production Center.”

This award is a recognition of many years of hard work, professionalism, and invaluable contribution to the development of the industry.

We wish him continued success, new scientific achievements, and inspiration for the benefit of Kazakhstan!