On June 23, 2025, representatives of the Chinese biotechnology company Jiangsu Hitide Biotechnology Co., LTD (HITIDE Biotech), one of the leading developers of aquatic animal health products, visited the FishRPC on a working visit.

The visit was organized to discuss prospects for cooperation in the field of disease prevention in aquaculture, as well as the possibilities of introducing innovative biotechnologies of HITIDE Biotech to fish farms in Kazakhstan.

The delegation included:

• Dr. Lin Xuye, founder of HITIDE Biotech, an expert with over 30 years of experience in animal vaccination;
• Dr. Frank Lee, a leading American scientist, technical director of the company’s international projects;
• Members of the company’s research and operations group.

The meeting was held by the General Director of LLP FishRPC, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Isbekov K.B., who emphasized the importance of cooperation with international research and production companies for the sustainable development of the fishing industry and improving biosecurity in aquaculture in Kazakhstan.

Also present at the meeting was the Deputy General Director of LLP “KazNIVI”, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Professor Abdybekova A.M.

During the meeting, the Chinese side presented the company’s key technological platforms, including:

• a platform of oral vaccines for aquatic animals (with a degree of protection of more than 70%),
• a platform of reverse packaging for antimicrobial drugs (with an efficiency of use up to 98%),
• innovative protein vaccines and binding proteins of viruses and bacteria.

The possibilities of conducting joint research, clinical trials of new vaccines and the implementation of pilot projects at fish farms in Kazakhstan were also discussed. The visit ended with a mutual expression of interest in developing a long-term partnership and the signing of a memorandum of intent on cooperation.

On June 20, 2025, a working meeting is being held at the head office of the FishRPC on the results of research work within the framework of targeted financing programs for 2024-2026:

1. “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.”
2. “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.”

The meeting heard the results obtained for the first half of 2025.

Meeting results:

• The progress of program implementation was assessed.
• Proposals and recommendations were given to improve the quality of research.

Within the framework of the Cooperation Agreement between the FishRPC and the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, 3rd-year students majoring in Aquaculture and Aquatic Biological Resources undergo industrial training at the head office in Almaty.

The head of the laboratory of hydrobiont genetics, PhD Adyrbekova Kamila held a research and educational seminar on the topic: “Genetic analysis of fish: laboratory practical training on DNA extraction” for trainees:

1. Tuyakbay Inkar
2. Omirkhan Adina
3. Narbay Baqdaulet
4. Batyrbekuly Erkanat
5. Beysetay Zhan

The purpose of the seminar is to familiarize students with the basics of molecular genetic methods used in ichthyological research, and to demonstrate in practice the process of isolating genomic DNA from fish tissues for subsequent use in genetic analysis. The seminar includes a short theoretical block and a practical part.

Seminar program:

• Introduction to molecular genetics and its role in ichthyology;
• The main stages of working with DNA: from sample to analysis;
• Demonstration of the protocol for extracting DNA from fish tissues;
• Discussion of application prospects.

The seminar on extracting DNA from fish tissues demonstrated the high relevance of molecular methods in modern science and aroused interest among students. Also, the practice-oriented format of the seminar allowed participants not only to become familiar with the theoretical foundations of genetic research in ichthyology, but also to directly participate in the laboratory stages of DNA extraction.

The President of Kazakhstan signed the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts on Aquaculture, Agro-Industrial Complex, Electric Power Sector, and Redistribution of Functions of Specific Central Government Bodies.

The Law introduces amendments to the Land, Forestry, Environmental, and Entrepreneurial Codes, as well as 14 other laws.

The first block of amendments aligns legislative acts with the recently adopted Law on Aquaculture.

Amendments to the Land Code enable the allocation of land plots from water fund lands for aquaculture activities. The amendments also regulate requirements for tender applications for such land allocations.

Amendments to the Forest Code allow aquaculture activities on areas of the state forest estate. The requirements for establishing limits and quotas for the use of aquatic resources have been updated.

The Law on State Regulation of the Agro-Industrial Complex and Rural Areas has been supplemented with new state support measures for agro-industrial entities.

The Law aims to promote the sustainable development of aquaculture by establishing new and expanding existing aquaculture operations, increasing the production of competitive aquatic species, and ensuring their safety for human health and the environment.

To support the state’s efforts in establishing new and expanding existing aquaculture operations, the Law introduces scientific support for investment projects, providing businesses with informational, analytical, scientific, and methodological assistance funded by the state budget.

The Law also provides state support measures, including subsidies, preferential loans, insurance, tax incentives, and the provision of engineering and communications infrastructure, among others.

The Law specifies the types of activities conducted by aquaculture operators, as well as the fishery water bodies and areas designated for such activities at international, national, and local levels.

The Law establishes the principle of rational use of fishery water bodies to prevent harm to aquatic biological resources and their habitats.

The Law also introduces state oversight in the field of aquaculture, which forms part of the broader framework for the protection, reproduction, and use of aquatic resources.

The text of the Law will be published in official sources.

Today, at the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Almaty), the International Forum “Challenges and Prospects for Biodiversity Conservation in Central Asia” is taking place, jointly organized with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The forum is held in honor of World Environment day and Ecologist’s Day.

Among the participants of the event are specialists from the LLP «Fisheries Research and Production Center»:

• Head of the Information and Innovation Department, PhD – Bolatbekova Z.T.
• Head of the Ichthyology Laboratory – Sansyzbaev E.T.
• Senior Researcher of the Ichthyology Laboratory, PhD – Amirbekova F.T.
• Senior Researcher of the Aquaculture Laboratory – Bulavina N.B.
• Researcher of the Aquaculture Laboratory – Barakov R.T.
• Managers of the Information and Innovation Department – Suleimenova A.M. and Zharas M.T.

At the scientific and innovation exhibition within the forum, LLP «FishRPC» presented:

• the exposition with live sturgeon specimens;
• exhibits of research fish species in a preservation solution
• scientific publications, including specialized atlases, monographs, and methodological guidelines;
• patents for utility models developed by the LLP «FishRPC»

Key discussion topics at the forum included:

• Challenges of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation
• The role of protected areas in nature conservation
• Environmental education and awareness
• GIS technologies in biodiversity monitoring

The forum became an important platform for professional dialogue and the development of joint solutions. LLP «Fisheries Research and Production Center» continues to develop innovative scientific methods and expand international cooperation for the sustainable development of the Central Asian region.

On June 4, 2025, a delegation from the State of Japan visited the FishRPC on a working visit as part of a research project implemented with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The purpose of the visit was to conduct a feasibility study on the possibilities of using Japanese technologies and equipment on salmon farms in Kazakhstan.

The delegation included representatives of the Japanese companies Furatt Gosei Co., Ltd. and Daichu Corporation, as well as experts in the field of aquaculture and international consulting.

JICA delegation composition:

1) Furatt Gosei Co., Ltd: Mr. Kawahara Satoshi, Ms. Ima Alexandra

2) Daichu Corporation: Mr. Shibuya Shota, Mr. Furuya Norihiro

3) Regional Research Institute: Dogin Mr. Kagai Yoshifumi

4) Hidaka Salmon Breeding Association: Mr. Shimizu Masaru

5) KPMG AZSA: Mr. Kaneko Hiroki

6) Project Formation Advisor: JICA Mr. Tsuji Satoshi

7) Translator: Mr. Bisengali Kenesary

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Director General of FishRPC, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Asylbekova S.Zh., who emphasized the importance of scientific exchange and international partnership for the sustainable development of the country’s fishing industry.

The report was made by the senior researcher of the aquaculture laboratory Bulavina N.B., presenting the key areas of research in the field of aquaculture and the prospects for the introduction of Japanese technologies in fish farms in Kazakhstan. During the visit, issues of equipment modernization, business opportunities and areas of cooperation in the field of fish farming between Kazakhstan and the state of Japan were discussed.

Since May 14 of this year, the employees of the FishRPC (head of the expedition team – Karlybayuly S., researcher – Bakkozha Zh. M., researcher – Bekturov B. S., researcher – Zhdanko L. A., junior researcher – Otegen S. A. and driver – Abishev N.) have been conducting research work on the lakes of the Alakol system under programs BP 021 p/p 100 (PDU) and BP 267 p/p 101 (PCF).

At present, the expedition team is conducting the following work:

– physical-geographical and hydrological characteristics of reservoirs;

– analysis of hydrochemical parameters;

– analysis of the state of the food supply for fish in the reservoirs;

– determination of the species composition of fish and other aquatic organisms in water bodies.

During the period of scientific research work on water bodies, the chief specialist of the Alakol fish inspection department Suleimenov N.B. takes part.

Research of the Alakol lake system continues.

Within the framework of targeted program financing for 2024-2026 under the projects:

• BR23591095 – “Comprehensive studies of water bodies for the conservation of aquatic biological resources based on assessment of their potential and modeling of stock dynamics”
• BR23531065 – “Development and implementation of innovative aquaculture technologies and facilities that are economically effective in the natural and climatic conditions of various regions of Kazakhstan”

Patents have been obtained for the following utility models:

▣ № 10565 Device for temporary holding of live fish during parasitological research. The utility model relates to the field of fisheries and can be used in parasitological studies of fish in fishery reservoirs.

▣ № 10566 Method for determination of species composition of alien fish in water bodies. The utility model relates to the field of fisheries and can be used to study the species composition of alien fish in natural reservoirs.

▣ № 10596 Method of identification of sturgeon fish species. The utility model relates to the field of fish farming and can be used in the formation of a user-specific broodstock (RBS) of sturgeon fish.

▣ № 10643 Method of growing tench in fish farms. The utility model relates to the field of fish farming and can be used for growing tench in fish farms.

The research is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

             Since May 10 of this year, employees of the Ichthyology Laboratory of the Scientific and Production Center of Fisheries LLP (expedition team leader – S.Zh. Makambetov; researchers – R. Igilik, A.A. Mukatai, and L.A. Zhdanko; junior researcher – K. Maratuly; and driver – N.K. Sakharin) have been conducting scientific research at the Kapshagai Reservoir and the Ili River as part of Programs 021 (Subprogram 100) and 267 (Subprogram 101).
            The purpose of the work is to assess the current state of populations of key commercial fish species in order to calculate the maximum allowable catch volumes of fish and other aquatic animals, and to develop recommendations for the sustainable management of fisheries in the Kapshagai Reservoir, the backwater zone, and the upper reaches of the Ili River. The research also includes an analysis of biodiversity dynamics and the development of conservation measures.
            Currently, the expedition team is carrying out the following work:

            – Physical-geographical and hydrological characterization of the water bodies;

            – Analysis of hydrochemical parameters;

            – Assessment of the fish food base in the water bodies;

            – Identification of the species composition of fish and other aquatic organisms.

During the research period at the Kapshagai Reservoir, N.V. Shkurkin, Chief Specialist of the Kapshagai Fish Inspection Department of the Balkhash–Alakol Interregional Basin Fisheries Inspection (BAMBIRH), is also participating.