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.