Digitalization of the fishing industry through the eFish system ensures the conservation of natural resources, increases process transparency, and strengthens the accountability of all market participants.
eFish is Kazakhstan’s step toward a sustainable future for the fishing industry.
For the attention of entrepreneurs in the fish farming industry:
In 2026, 1.9 billion tenge has been allocated from the local budget to subsidize improvements in aquaculture productivity and product quality, as well as the development of pedigree fish farming. Additionally, 3.4 billion tenge has been earmarked through general transfers to subsidize the reimbursement of part of the costs incurred during investment projects.
Furthermore, 1.0 billion tenge is provided this year via general transfers to subsidize interest rates for loans to agribusiness entities and for the leasing of machinery and equipment.
Consequently, substantial state support is currently available for entities operating in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
In accordance with Order No. 8-K of “Fisheries Scientific and Production Center” LLP dated February 6, 2026, an expedition team has been conducting comprehensive winter research at the Kapshagay Reservoir from February 10 to the present. The team consists of Laboratory Head E.T. Sansyzbayev, Expedition Leader S.Zh. Makambetov, Researchers B.S. Pangereyev and D.S. Bekturov, Administrative Manager E.Zh. Kosherbayev, and Laboratory Assistant N.K. Sakharin. These activities are carried out under Program 021 (Subprogram 100).
Sh.S. Sovetkhan, Chief Specialist of the Kapshagay Fishery Inspection Department of the Balkhash-Alakol Interregional Basin Fishery Inspection (BAIBFI), is participating in the research activities at the Kapshagay Reservoir.
During the field mission, ichthyological, hydrobiological, and hydrochemical samples and materials are being collected at established monitoring stations. Additionally, the team is utilizing echo-sounding to monitor fish wintering grounds and performing analysis and oversight of commercial fishing nets and activities.
These comprehensive research activities will continue until February 23, 2026.
The staff of the “Fisheries Scientific and Production Center” LLP extends its heartiest congratulations to Asylan Mukhambetovich Tuleuov, Senior Researcher of the West Kazakhstan branch, on the successful defense of his dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The dissertation, titled “Veterinary and Sanitary Assessment of the Quality and Food Safety of the Narrow-Clawed Crayfish in Water Bodies of the West Kazakhstan Region,” was defended under the specialty 6D120200 — Veterinary Sanitation.
The research work was conducted at the Integrated Fisheries Laboratory of the West Kazakhstan branch of the “Fisheries Scientific and Production Center” LLP, as well as the Laboratory of Ichthyology and Aquaculture at the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Agrotechnology of the Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University.
Since February 10, 2026, staff members of the LLP “Fisheries Scientific and Production Center” — including Expedition Team Leader Karlybaiuly S., Researcher Igilik R. , Junior Researchers Otegen S. and Maratuly K., and Laboratory Assistant Abishev N. — have been conducting comprehensive winter research in the waters of the Alakol Lake System (ALS). These activities are being carried out within the framework of Program 021 (Subprogram 100) and Program-Targeted Funding (PTF).
Kulenova Sh.B., Chief Specialist of the Alakol Fishery Inspection Department of the Balkhash-Alakol Interregional Basin Fishery Inspection (BAIBFI), is participating in the research activities across the lakes of the system (Alakol, Koshkarkol, and Sasykkol).
During the field mission, the team is collecting ichthyological, hydrobiological, and hydrochemical samples at monitoring stations. Additionally, they are conducting echo-sounding monitoring of fish wintering grounds, monitoring commercial fishing activities, and analyzing catch data.
These comprehensive studies will continue until March 6, 2026.
As part of the implementation of the Law “On Aquaculture,” amendments have been made to the Rules for Lending to Projects in the Agro-Industrial Complex (Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 322, dated August 31, 2023).Budget lending is now provided at a 2.5% annual interest rate for projects involving the establishment of new farms or the expansion of existing ones engaged in aquaculture cultivation with a production capacity of at least 25 tons per year.
This measure is designed to stimulate the development of aquaculture, enhance the industry’s investment attractiveness, and increase the volume of domestic fish production. Preferential financing creates additional opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in implementing fisheries projects and contributing to the sustainable development of the country’s agro-industrial complex.
For more details: Order of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 322 dated August 31, 2023, “On Approval of the Rules for Lending to Projects in the Agro-Industrial Complex”
Since February 10, 2026, a team from the “Fisheries Scientific and Production Center” LLP—led by Expedition Chief Zh. M. Bakkozha, alongside researchers D. S. Bekturov and A. T. Khalelov—has been conducting comprehensive winter research on local water bodies in the Zhambyl region. These activities are being carried out under Program 021 (Subprogram 100). The primary goal is to assess the state of commercial stocks and determine the distribution of fish and other aquatic biological resources across the local waters of the Zhambyl region.
The expedition team is currently performing integrated hydrochemical, hydrobiological, and ichthyological studies, including:
Analysis of the hydrochemical regime;
Assessment of the forage base (food supply) status;
Identification of fish species composition within the regional waters.
T.T. Barakbayev, PhD, Deputy General Director of the “Fisheries Scientific and Practical Center” LLP, gave an interview to the 24KZ TV channel. The discussion focused on the current challenges, strategic issues, and the future outlook for the development of Kazakhstan’s fisheries sector.
Under the state support program, aquaculture entities are eligible for subsidies covering 30% of the costs incurred for the purchase of feed used in fish farming. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant must obtain a positive conclusion from a specialized expert group confirming the availability of necessary infrastructure and compliance with subsidy conditions. This expert group is formed by local executive bodies; therefore, applicants must contact their respective local authority to initiate the review process.
To receive subsidies, farms must submit their applications through the “Electronic Government” web portal or the State Information System of the Agro-Industrial Complex (GIS AIC).
Key Verification and Compliance Measures:
Feed Purchase Validation: The purchase of feed is verified through the automated integration of the GIS AIC with the Electronic Invoicing Information System (IS ESF), based on the availability of relevant electronic invoices.
Production Confirmation: A critical requirement is the confirmation of aquaculture production volumes for the previous and/or current year. This data, retrieved from the GIS AIC and IS ESF, ensures that subsidies for feed are not granted prior to the sale of products, thereby confirming the intended use of the feed in the production process.
Veterinary Documentation: Mandatory verification of veterinary documents is conducted via the “e-Agriculture” system. This includes a veterinary certificate for feed purchased from domestic producers or an international veterinary certificate for imported feed.
Sturgeon Farming (CITES): For farms engaged in breeding sturgeon species and their hybrids, data regarding the artificial breeding of species listed in Appendices I and II of the CITES Convention must be confirmed through the “E-licensing” state database.
These measures are designed to promote the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry, improve product quality, and ensure the transparency of state support mechanisms through the digitalization of processes.
Detailed information regarding the terms and procedures for subsidies, as well as applicant requirements, can be found in the Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated November 1, 2025, No. 412, “On Approval of the Rules for Subsidizing the Increase in Productivity and Quality of Aquaculture Products, and the Development of Pedigree Fish Farming,” available on official legal resources.
