From December 14 to 15, 2024, Deputy General Director Asylbekova S.Zh. and Senior Researcher of the Aquaculture Laboratory Bulavina N.B. are carrying out work to collect biological material for genetic research and data on the morphological characteristics of the replacement broodstock of the Irtysh sterlet, formed within the framework of the project: “Development and implementation of biotechnical methods for the formation of replacement broodstock of rare and endangered fish species in the conditions of fish farms in Kazakhstan, taking into account their genetic structure according to the Scientific and Technical Progress of Aquaculture. This replacement broodstock is being adapted to the conditions of the RAS at the fish hatchery of OST Fish LLP. The adaptation and effectiveness of domestication of the Irtysh sterlet population is also monitored. The research is planned for three years (2024-2026), the work is ongoing.

      Previously, there was no need to form the Irtysh sterlet replacement broodstock and the preservation of natural populations was supported by environmental measures. However, the anthropogenic impact on natural populations has reached such proportions (in the form of poaching and the consequences of channel regulation) that its numbers can be maintained, as well as saved from complete destruction, only through targeted work to support natural reproduction with artificial ones.