On April 17–18, 2025, the city of Astana is hosting the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Experience and Prospects for the Development of Ornamental and Commercial Aquaculture.” The conference is organized by the Ailand Oceanarium (LLP “Ailand Astana”) and is held in a mixed offline/online format.

The program for the first day of the conference includes:

• Presentations within the aquaristics section;
• Presentations within the aquaculture section.

The General Director of LLP “Scientific and Production Center for Fisheries,” Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, and Academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kuanish Baibolatovich Isbekov, delivered a presentation titled: “Breeding of Rare and Valuable Fish Species for the Purpose of Preserving Kazakhstan’s Biodiversity.”

Employees of the head subdivision of the aquaculture laboratory continue to carry out work within the framework of research and development work under the NTP program “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” on the project “Development and implementation of combined technologies for the cultivation of valuable fish species.”  

At the fish farm of the individual entrepreneur “Ak Balyk” in the Almaty region, control weighings and measurements of the farmed material of trout using basin and cage methods, determination of the average weight, average daily growth, and calculations of the daily feeding ration are carried out.

Today, on April 11, 2025, a ceremonial event honoring Science Workers’ Day took place at the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the auspices of the President of Kazakhstan.

The gathering brought together the entire scientific community of Kazakhstan and featured a large-scale scientific exhibition.

Representing the Scientific and Production Center for Fisheries, the following attendees participated:

• Dr. S.Zh. Asylbekova, Professor, Deputy Director-General (Doctor of Biological Sciences);
• Z.T. Bolatbekova, PhD, Head of the Information and Innovation Department.

From March 26 to present, employees of the Ichthyology Laboratory at the Scientific and Production Center for Fisheries LLP (expedition team leader – Minat A., expedition team leader – Karlybayuly S., researcher – Pangereyev B.S., junior researcher – Otegen S.A., junior researcher – Maratuly K., and laboratory assistant – Abishev N.B.) have been conducting scientific research in local water bodies of Zhambyl Region under Programs 021 (Subprogram 100) and 267 (Subprogram 101).

The objective of the research is to assess the status of fishery resources and distribution of fish and other aquatic biological resources in local water bodies of Zhambyl Region.

The expedition team is currently carrying out the following work:

• Physical-geographical and hydrological characterization of water bodies
• Analysis of hydrochemical parameters
• Assessment of fish food supply conditions in water bodies
• Identification of fish species composition in water bodies

Oslo, 8 April 2025 – The first Kazakhstan-Norwegian Business Council, organized with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Norway and the “East” Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was held in Oslo. The event became a pivotal step in reinforcing trade-economic relations and establishing direct ties between the business communities of the two nations.

Keynote addresses were delivered by:

• H.E. Adil Tursunov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Norway;
• Jon Kvistad, Norway’s Ambassador to Central Asia.

The speakers underscored the critical importance of deepening political and economic dialogue.

Kazakh delegation’s presentation:
R.T. Barakov, Research Fellow at the Scientific-Production Center for Fisheries LLP (subordinate to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture – Fisheries Committee), delivered a comprehensive report covering:

• Current status of aquaculture in Kazakhstan;
• Key provisions of the Fisheries Development Program 2030;
• State support mechanisms and scientific oversight for the sector;
• Expansion of investment projects in operational and planned fish farming/processing enterprises, with emphasis on creating a robust scientific-practical foundation for implementing cutting-edge innovative technologies.

Spotlight on Norwegian partnerships:
Dedicated sessions under the B2B format addressed the transfer, localization, and installation of Norwegian equipment for Kazakh aquaculture/processing facilities, featuring discussions with industry leaders Optimar and Morenot Aquaculture.

Strategic discussions:
The Council explored collaborative prospects in:

• Logistics
• Renewable energy
• Agricultural processing & export
• Eco-technologies
• Industrial safety
• Digital transformation

Since March 31, the ichthyology laboratory team of the Scientific and Production Center of Fisheries LLP (head of the expeditionary unit – S.Zh. Makambetov, acting head – Zh.M. Bakkhozha, researcher – R. Igilik, senior laboratory assistant – N.M. Zhazykbaev, laboratory assistant – N.K. Sakharin) has been conducting scientific research at the Lower and Middle Kolsai Lakes. These lakes are located within the specially protected natural area of the Kolsai Kolderi State National Nature Park, under Program 021 (Subprogram 100).

The objective of the study is to examine the reproduction of trout in the Kolsai Lakes. Currently, the expedition team is collecting ichthyological samples for biological analysis, including morphometric data (length and weight), sex identification, maturity stage, age, and fecundity.

The Lower and Middle Kolsai Lakes are situated in the Kegen District of the Almaty Region. Comprehensive scientific research at the Kolsai Lakes has been carried out by the Scientific and Production Center of Fisheries since 2017.

On April 3, 2025, a working meeting on the 2024–2026 targeted financing programs is being held at the head office of Scientific and Production Center of Fisheries LLP.

During the meeting, reports were presented by the heads of the targeted financing program tasks:

1. “Development and implementation of innovative technologies and new aquaculture facilities that are economically efficient 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.”

Participants:

• Program heads:

• K.B. Isbekov (Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan)
• S.Zh. Asylbekova (Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan)

• Representatives of partner organizations:

• S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (NAO)
• Kazakh Scientific Research Veterinary Institute LLP
• Scientific and Production Center of Microbiology and Virology LLP

• Scientific staff of Scientific and Production Center of Fisheries LLP

Meeting outcomes:

•  Assessment of project implementation progress
• Determination of key directions for the next period
• Recommendations for improving the quality of research and development

To implement the instructions of the Head of State, announced on March 14 of this year at the fourth meeting of the National Kurultai, the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS, Russia) and leading Russian research institutes, will officially open the Kazakh-Russian Center for Advanced Technologies in the Agro-Industrial Complex on April 2, 2025.  

The opening ceremony will be attended by Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, General Director K.B. Isbekov, and Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Deputy General Director of the Scientific and Production Center of Fisheries LLP S.Zh. Asylbekova.

The Center for Advanced Technologies will collaborate closely with leading Russian and Kazakhstani research institutes, serving as a platform for experience exchange, the development of innovative solutions, and the implementation of high-tech approaches in agriculture.

It is expected that the center will drive the creation of new agrotechnology start-ups, further strengthening the scientific and technological potential of both countries.

The establishment of the Kazakh-Russian Center for Advanced Technologies in the Agro-Industrial Complex will mark a significant milestone in advancing breeding and genomic selection, as well as in the development of innovative and environmentally sustainable agriculture. This will enable a more effective response to modern challenges and contribute to ensuring global food security.

The Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a meeting chaired by the head of the department, Serik Sermagambetov. The event was attended by heads of interregional basin inspections, structural departments, and subordinate organizations.

During the meeting, issues related to the implementation of state support measures for the industry, strengthening efforts to attract investments, the introduction of digital e-Fish control tools, as well as the implementation of programs for stocking reservoirs, fulfilling state orders for the artificial reproduction of fish resources, and modernizing the production base of fish hatcheries were discussed. Special attention was paid to cooperation with local executive bodies, combating poaching, and anti-corruption measures.

Following the meeting, the Chairman of the Committee issued a number of instructions to the heads of interregional basin inspections and subordinate organizations aimed at developing the fishing industry.

From March 17 to March 19, 2025, an academic/Coordinating Council is taking place at the head office (Almaty) of the Scientific and Production Center of Fisheries to review and approve research and development work programs for scientific and technical programs for 2024-2026. The meeting is held in a hybrid format, bringing together participants both in person in the hall and online.

The meeting is attended by representatives of the Fisheries Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as key partners—co-implementing organizations of the programs:

NAO “Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University named after S. Seifullin”;

Kazakh Scientific Research Veterinary Institute LLP;

Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology;

Scientific and Production Center of Microbiology and Virology LLP;

Factor System Research Company LLP;

On the agenda:

Review of work programs on the topic: “Development and implementation of innovative technologies and new aquaculture facilities that are economically effective in the natural and climatic conditions of various regions of Kazakhstan,” Program leader: Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan S.Zh. Asylbekova;

Review of work programs on the topic: “Comprehensive studies of reservoirs for the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic biological resources based on an assessment of their potential and modeling of stock dynamics,” Program leader: PhD, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan K.B. Isbekov;

Consideration of work programs on the topic: “Determining the fish productivity of fisheries reservoirs and/or their sites, developing biological justifications for maximum allowable catches of fish and other aquatic animals, the regime and regulation of fishing in fisheries reservoirs of international and national significance, as well as assessing the state of fish resources in reserve reservoirs of local importance.” Program manager: Director of the Aral branch, PhD T.T. Barakbaev;

Other issues (reports on the activities of the SMU, the Trade Union Committee, reports on the implementation of the scientific publication plan, doctoral students’ reports).

Upon completion of the meetings, all work programs will be sent for approval to the General Director of LLP «Fisheries Research and Production Center».