State Recognition: Assylbekova Saule Zhangirovna Awarded the Order of “Kurmet”

Saule Zhangirovna Asylbekova has been honored with a state award of the Republic of Kazakhstan — the Order of Kurmet . This prestigious award was presented for her significant contribution to the development of national science, fisheries, and aquaculture, as well as for her many years of fruitful scientific and public service.

Saule Zhangirovna is the first and, to date, the only scientist in Kazakhstan to hold a Doctor of Biological Sciences degree specifically in “Fisheries and Aquaculture.” This distinction makes her scientific biography truly unique within the nation’s fishery science.

For many years, the scientific and practical activities of Assylbekova S.Zh. have been inextricably linked to solving strategically important industry tasks: the conservation and reproduction of fish resources, the development of a science-based aquaculture system, and the implementation of modern technologies into production practice. Under her scientific leadership, major target-oriented programs are being implemented that are of key importance for the sustainable development of aquaculture in Kazakhstan. Additionally, she successfully manages grant projects and initiatives focused on the commercialization of scientific research results.

As a dedicated mentor, Saule Zhangirovna serves as the scientific advisor for more than ten PhD doctoral and Master’s students, making a significant contribution to the training of the next generation of scientists. She is the author and co-author of over 400 scientific papers, eight monographs and textbooks, and holds more than 70 patents of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of fisheries and aquaculture. Her scientific developments are widely applied in research, education, and industrial operations.

The awarding of the Order of Kurmet is a well-deserved recognition of her years of hard work, outstanding scientific achievements, and her impact on the development of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Kazakhstan. The scientific career of Assylbekova Saule Zhangirovna stands as a shining example of professional leadership, devotion to science, and service to the national interests of the country.

On the Retirement of Lyudmila Ivanovna Sharapova

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.

Maximum Subsidy Rates for Aquaculture Feed Approved

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), the maximum allowable subsidy amounts for aquaculture feed have been established.

According to the Rules, the maximum subsidy amount per 1 kilogram of feed is as follows:

-Salmonids and their hybrids — up to 330 tenge;

-Sturgeons and their hybrids — up to 330 tenge;

-Cyprinids (Carp family) and their hybrids:

  • Granulated feed — up to 105 tenge;
  • Extruded feed — up to 250 tenge;

-Catfish and their hybrids — up to 210 tenge;

-Cichlids and their hybrids — up to 210 tenge;

-Latidae (Lates perches) and their hybrids — up to 210 tenge;

-Arowanas and their hybrids — up to 285 tenge;

-Crustaceans — up to 228 tenge.

 

These adopted standards are aimed at reducing the costs for fish farms, encouraging the use of modern specialized feeds, and increasing the competitiveness of domestic aquaculture products.

The implementation of these state support measures will ensure the sustainable development of the industry, increase production volumes, and improve the overall quality of products.

 

 

Seminar on “Modern Methods of Hydrochemical Research”

On February 26, 2026, staff members of the Hydroanalytical Laboratory at the main division of the Fisheries Science and Production Center (FSPC) organized an open house day for 2nd and 3rd-year students of the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University. A scientific and informational seminar was held offline for the participants on the topic: “Modern Methods of Hydrochemical Research.”

Seminar Organizers:

  • Dolgopolova S.Yu. – Head of the Hydroanalytical Laboratory;
  • Mukatai A.A. – Research Fellow;
  • Bekturov D.S. – Research Fellow.

The goal of the seminar was to introduce the scientific activities of our center and demonstrate the theoretical and practical research methods used in the hydroanalytical laboratory.

Key topics of the seminar included:

  • Methods for conducting hydrochemical research in both field and laboratory settings;
  • A practical session featuring laboratory analysis using titrimetric and spectrophotometric methods.

Following the seminar, participants engaged in a Q&A session and a discussion. The students gained basic skills in hydrochemical laboratory research and expressed strong interest in further collaboration.

State Support for Fish Farming

For the attention of entrepreneurs in the fish farming industry:

In 2026, 1.9 billion tenge has been allocated from the local budget to subsidize improvements in aquaculture productivity and product quality, as well as the development of pedigree fish farming. Additionally, 3.4 billion tenge has been earmarked through general transfers to subsidize the reimbursement of part of the costs incurred during investment projects.

Furthermore, 1.0 billion tenge is provided this year via general transfers to subsidize interest rates for loans to agribusiness entities and for the leasing of machinery and equipment.

Consequently, substantial state support is currently available for entities operating in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Ongoing Winter Research Activities at the Kapshagay Reservoir

In accordance with Order No. 8-K of “Fisheries Scientific and Production Center” LLP dated February 6, 2026, an expedition team has been conducting comprehensive winter research at the Kapshagay Reservoir from February 10 to the present. The team consists of Laboratory Head E.T. Sansyzbayev, Expedition Leader S.Zh. Makambetov, Researchers B.S. Pangereyev and D.S. Bekturov, Administrative Manager E.Zh. Kosherbayev, and Laboratory Assistant N.K. Sakharin. These activities are carried out under Program 021 (Subprogram 100).

Sh.S. Sovetkhan, Chief Specialist of the Kapshagay Fishery Inspection Department of the Balkhash-Alakol Interregional Basin Fishery Inspection (BAIBFI), is participating in the research activities at the Kapshagay Reservoir.

During the field mission, ichthyological, hydrobiological, and hydrochemical samples and materials are being collected at established monitoring stations. Additionally, the team is utilizing echo-sounding to monitor fish wintering grounds and performing analysis and oversight of commercial fishing nets and activities.

These comprehensive research activities will continue until February 23, 2026.

Successful PhD Dissertation Defense

The staff of the “Fisheries Scientific and Production Center” LLP extends its heartiest congratulations to Asylan Mukhambetovich Tuleuov, Senior Researcher of the West Kazakhstan branch, on the successful defense of his dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The dissertation, titled “Veterinary and Sanitary Assessment of the Quality and Food Safety of the Narrow-Clawed Crayfish in Water Bodies of the West Kazakhstan Region,” was defended under the specialty 6D120200 — Veterinary Sanitation.

The research work was conducted at the Integrated Fisheries Laboratory of the West Kazakhstan branch of the “Fisheries Scientific and Production Center” LLP, as well as the Laboratory of Ichthyology and Aquaculture at the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Agrotechnology of the Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University.

 

Research Activities in the Alakol Lake System

Since February 10, 2026, staff members of the LLP “Fisheries Scientific and Production Center” — including Expedition Team Leader  Karlybaiuly S., Researcher Igilik R. , Junior Researchers Otegen S. and Maratuly K., and Laboratory Assistant Abishev N. — have been conducting comprehensive winter research in the waters of the Alakol Lake System (ALS). These activities are being carried out within the framework of Program 021 (Subprogram 100) and Program-Targeted Funding (PTF).

Kulenova Sh.B., Chief Specialist of the Alakol Fishery Inspection Department of the Balkhash-Alakol Interregional Basin Fishery Inspection (BAIBFI), is participating in the research activities across the lakes of the system (Alakol, Koshkarkol, and Sasykkol).

During the field mission, the team is collecting ichthyological, hydrobiological, and hydrochemical samples at monitoring stations. Additionally, they are conducting echo-sounding monitoring of fish wintering grounds, monitoring commercial fishing activities, and analyzing catch data.

These comprehensive studies will continue until March 6, 2026.