From May 12, 2026 to the present, employees of the Scientific and Production Center of Fisheries LLP have been conducting comprehensive research at the Kapshagai reservoir and the Ili River within the framework of budget program 021 (program subitem 100) and budget program 267 (program subitem 101).

The expedition team includes: expedition leader S.Zh. Makambetov, head of the ichthyology laboratory E.T. Sansyzbayev, researchers B.S. Pangereev and L.A. Zhdanko, head of the administrative and economic department E.Zh. Kosherbayev, as well as drivers N.K. Sakharin and A.Zh. Sazanbayev.

The purpose of the research is to assess the current state of populations of the main commercial fish species in the Kapshagai reservoir, its dam zone and the upper reaches of the Ili River to determine the permissible amount of fish resources and other aquatic animals seized, to make recommendations for the rational management of fishing, as well as to analyze the dynamics of biological diversity and develop measures for its conservation.

Currently, the expedition team performs a complex of scientific research (hydrochemical, hydrobiological and ichthyological), including:

• Hydrobiological, hydrochemical and ichthyological sampling at monitoring stations;
• analysis of biological parameters of fish populations, including size and weight characteristics, sex determination and maturity stages;
• sampling to assess the fertility of the main commercial fish species of the Kapshagai reservoir and the Ili River;
• Conducting echo-sounder surveys at pre-determined points and analyzing the fishing situation in the research area.

The chief specialist of the Kapshagai department of the fish inspection of the Balkhash-Alakol inter-regional basin inspection of fisheries, Sovetkhan Sh.S., participates in the research work. Comprehensive research will last until June 13, 2026.