Science for the Conservation of Kazakhstan’s Aquatic Biological Resources: Research Findings of the Fisheries Research and Production Center

The Limited Liability Partnership “Fisheries Research and Production Center” (FRPC), together with its co-executing organizations, is implementing the 2024–2026 Scientific and Technical Program BR23591095, entitled “Comprehensive Studies of Water Bodies for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Aquatic Biological Resources Based on Their Potential Assessment and Stock Dynamics Modelling.”

The program aims to study the biodiversity of Kazakhstan’s water bodies, assess the condition of aquatic ecosystems and fish stocks, investigate diseases affecting commercial fish species, and develop scientifically sound approaches to the protection and rational use of aquatic biological resources.

The program is being implemented with the participation of the Kazakh Scientific Research Veterinary Institute LLP, the Scientific and Production Center of Microbiology and Virology LLP, the Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology, and the Company of System Research “Factor” LLP.

Combining expertise in hydrobiology, ichthyology, veterinary medicine, microbiology, virology and mathematical modelling makes it possible to conduct comprehensive studies of aquatic ecosystems and establish a scientific basis for decision-making in the fisheries sector.

 

Main Areas of Research

Within the framework of the program, specialists conduct comprehensive studies of fishery water bodies, examine the composition and condition of aquatic communities, identify alien species and assess ecosystem resilience to external impacts.

A separate research area focuses on ichthyopathological studies of commercial fish species and the development of measures to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission. An important part of this work involves investigating the causes of Caspian seal mortality, assessing the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on its population, and exploring ways to conserve this unique representative of the Caspian Sea fauna.

Researchers also study Gammarus, a valuable aquatic biological resource with export potential, and develop scientific foundations for its efficient use. To improve fish stock management, work is being carried out on mathematical modelling, fish population assessment and the determination of maximum allowable catches.

 

Scientific Publications and Practical Significance

The research findings are reflected in publications in national and international scientific journals, methodological recommendations, monographs and developments intended for practical application.

 

Articles in Scopus-Indexed Journals

 

  1. Barakov R.T. et al. Biological and ecological characteristics of common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) in Kapchagay Reservoir, Kazakhstan. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejar.2024.07.004
  1. Satbek A. et al. Diet Composition and Trophic Niches of the Fish Community in Lake Balkhash. Diversity, 2026, 18, Article 201. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040201
  2. Aubakirova M. et al. Long-Term Variability in Zoobenthic Communities in Lake Balkhash (Kazakhstan): Community Composition, Taxonomic Richness, and Potential Drivers. Diversity, 2026, 18(7), Article 409. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/d18070409
  3. Umirtayeva A. et al. Population Structure of Lenok (Brachymystax savinovi) in Lake Markakol and Preliminary Strategies for Species Conservation and Population Recovery. Animals, 2026, 16(16). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16162558
  4. Berdiakhmetkyzy S. et al. Parasitofauna of commercial fish species of the Northern (Small) Aral Sea. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2026.101225
  5. Kumar M. et al. Metagenomic Characterization and Molecular Screening of Pathogens in Freshwater Amphipods (Gammarus lacustris) from Kazakhstan: Implications for Aquaculture Biosecurity. Pathogens, 2026, 15(7), Article 663. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15070663
  6. Baimukanov M. et al. Distribution patterns of Caspian seal island haul-outs under Caspian Sea regression. Frontiers in Marine Science, 2026. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2026.1832798/full
  7. Court R. et al. Rapid decline of Caspian Sea level threatens ecosystem integrity, biodiversity protection, and human infrastructure. Communications Earth & Environment, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02212-5
  8. Kumar M. et al. Bacterial Taxonomic Profiling of Freshwater Fish across Hydrographic Basins of Kazakhstan. Fishes, 2026, 11(10), 581. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11100581
  9. Zhaksylykova A. et al. Occurrence and molecular identification of Paracoenogonimus ovatus and Holostephanus dubinini, with a tentative detection of Diplostomum spathaceum, in commercial fish. German Journal of Veterinary Research, 2026, 6(3), 107–118. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51585/gjvr.2026.3.0205
  10. Pangereyev B. et al. DNA barcoding of epigean amphipods in Central Asia reveals deep cryptic montane diversity, widespread cross‑steppe dispersal, and range expansion of invasive species. Hydrobiologia, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-026-06439-x

 

Articles in Journals Recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education (CQASHE)

  1. Shapen K.M. et al. Mathematical modeling of fish resources assessment. Journal of Mathematics, Mechanics and Computer Science, 2024, 123(3), 147–156. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26577/JMMCS2024-v123-i3-12
  2. Barakov R.T. et al. Morphological variability of Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) in water bodies of the Balkash-Alakol basin. Central Asian Journal of Water Research, 2024, 10(2), 144–157. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29258/CAJWR/2024-R1.v10-2/144-157.eng
  3. Аблайсанова Г.М. и др. Қапшағай суқоймасындағы көксеркенің (Sander lucioperca) морфобиологиялық сипаттамасы және қазіргі кездегі жағдайы. Вестник науки Казахского агротехнического исследовательского университета имени Сакена Сейфуллина, 2025, № 2 (125), 84–96.
  4. Калымбетова М.Т., Фефелов В.В., Пангереев Б.С. Продуктивность популяций гаммарид в некоторых водоемах Казахстана. Наука и образование, 2025, № 2–5 (79), 199–207. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52578/2305-9397-2025-2-5-199-207
  5. Тулеуов А. М., Шукуров М. Ж. Батыс Қазақстан облысының негізгі кәсіпшілік су айдындарындағы өзен шаяндары етіндегі уытты элементтер мен радионуклидтердің мөлшерін зерттеу // Ғылым және білім. – 2025. – № 3–5(80). – Б. 307–317. – ISSN 2305-9397.
  6. Адырбекова К. Б. и др. Қазақстанның әртүрлі су айдындарындағы гаммарустардан Gammarus spp. (Crustacea: Amphipoda) ДНҚ бөліп алу тиімділігі мен сапасын бағалау // Сәкен Сейфуллин атындағы Қазақ агротехникалық зерттеу университетінің Ғылым жаршысы: пәнаралық. – Астана: С. Сейфуллин атындағы Қазақ агротехникалық зерттеу университеті, 2025. – № 3 (127). – Б. 71–80. org/10.51452/kazatu.2025.3(127).1996
  7. Крайнюк В. Н. и др. Рыбец Vimba vimba (L., 1758) (Cyprinidae) – новый инвазивный вид в реке Жайык // Ғылым және білім. – 2025. – № 3–5(80). – Б. 283–295. – ISSN 2305-9397. КОКСНВО.
  8. Қуанышбекова Г. Қ. и др. Ретроспективный анализ и текущие тенденции заболеваемости промысловых видов рыб водоёмов Ертисского бассейна (Казахстан, Центральная Азия) // Вестник науки Казахского агротехнического исследовательского университета имени Сакена Сейфуллина: междисциплинарный. – Астана: С. Сейфуллин атындағы Қазақ агротехникалық зерттеу университеті, 2025. – № 2 (125). – Р. 108–117. org/ 10.51452/kazatu.2025.2(125).1893
  9. Shapen K.M., Akhmedov A., Rakhymova A.T. Application of Bayesian analysis for comprehensive assessment of the state of fish resources in freshwater ecosystems // Вестник КазНПУ им. Абая. Серия: Физико-математические науки. – 2024. – № 4 (88). – С. 71–80.
  10. Pangereyev B., Assylbekova S., Fefelov V. Evaluation of the biochemical composition and nutritional value of Gammarus // Bulletin of Shakarim University. Technical Sciences. – 2025. – № 2(18). – P. 200–206.
  11. Аблайсанова Г.М. и др. Іле–Балқаш бассейнінің жергілікті маңызы бар су айдындарында Балқаш алабұғасының (Perca schrenki) таралуы. Ізденістер, нәтижелер – Исследования, результаты, 2025, № 4 (108), 74–84. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/09
  12. Ablaisanova G. et al. Assessment of the Current State of Ichthyofauna in the Rivers of the Zhambyl Region (Southeastern Kazakhstan). Animal Husbandry and Aquaculture, 2026, 1(2), 335–346. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52578/3134-8572-2026-2-335-346
  13. Баққожа Ж.М. и др. Қапшағай су қоймасындағы каспий қаракөзі Rutilus Caspicus (Yakovlev 1870) популяциясының морфологиялық белгілерін талдау // Ізденістер, нәтижелер – Исследования, результаты. №4 (108) (Dec. 2025), – С. 86–97. https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/10
  14. Тулеуов А. М. и др. Батыс Қазақстан облысының негізгі кәсіпшілік су айдындарындағы өзен шаяндар етінең тағамдық құндылығын зерттеу // Наука и образование: науч.-практ. журн. Западно-Казахстанского аграрно-технического университета имени Жангир хана. – 2025. – Т. 5, вып. 3 (80). – С. 307–317. https://doi.org/10.52578/2305-9397-2025-3-5-307-317
  15. Oskina A. Comprehensive Assessment of the Ecological Status of the Zhayik River in West Kazakhstan Region Based on Macrozoobenthos Structure and Integrated Biotic Indices. Animal Husbandry and Aquaculture, 2026, 1(2), 196–205. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52578/3134-8572-2026-2-196-205
  16. Самбаев Н.С. и др. Оценка влияния экологических факторов на биологические показатели промысловых рыб Шардаринского водохранилища (Арало-Сырдарьинский бассейн, Казахстан). Центральноазиатский журнал исследований водных ресурсов, 2026, 12(1), 93–118. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29258/CAJWR/2026-R1.v12-1/93-118.rus
  17. Suleimenova S.A. et al. Identification of potential bacterial pathogens in the microbiome of wild Cyprinid (Cyprinidae) fish from the Ishim (Esil) River using high-throughput sequencing. Здоровье животных и биобезопасность, 2026, 82(4), 362–373. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52578/3134-8114-2026-4-362-373
  18. Suleymenova S. et al. Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing for the Characterization of Bacterial Communities Associated with Gammarus lacustris from Freshwater Ecosystems in Kazakhstan. Animal Health and Biosafety, 2026, 82(4), 374–384. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52578/3134-8114-2026-4-374-384
  19. Shapen K.M. et al. Assessment of fish population dynamics in Lake Zaisan using a cohort approach based on research and commercial catch data. Bulletin of Abai KazNPU. Series of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, 2025, № 3 (91), 79–90. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51889/2959-5894.2025.91.3.007

 

Intellectual Property Protection Documents

  1. Republic of Kazakhstan Utility Model Patent No. 9746. Device for Catching and Collecting Gammarus. Application No. 2024/1096.2 dated 10 September 2024. Patent holder: Fisheries Research and Production Center LLP.
  2. Republic of Kazakhstan Utility Model Patent No. 10491. Method for Studying the Biological Diversity of Ichthyofauna. Application No. 2025/0246.2 dated 18 February 2025. Patent holder: Fisheries Research and Production Center LLP.
  3. Republic of Kazakhstan Utility Model Patent No. 10492. Device for Capturing and Fixing Fish during Ichthyopathological Studies. Application No. 2025/0248.2 dated 18 February 2025. Patent holder: Fisheries Research and Production Center LLP.
  4. Republic of Kazakhstan Utility Model Patent No. 10565. Device for the Temporary Keeping of Live Fish during Parasitological Studies. Application No. 2025/0333.2 dated 4 March 2025. Patent holder: Fisheries Research and Production Center LLP.
  5. Republic of Kazakhstan Utility Model Patent No. 10566. Method for Identifying the Species Composition of Alien Fish in Water Bodies. Application No. 2025/0335.2 dated 4 March 2025. Patent holder: Fisheries Research and Production Center LLP.
  6. Republic of Kazakhstan Utility Model Patent No. 11201. Portable Individual Enclosure for the Caspian Seal. Patent holder: Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology.
  7. Republic of Kazakhstan Utility Model Patent No. 12875. Method for Cultivating Gammarus for Feeding Valuable Fish Species. Application No. 2026/0823.2 dated 13 April 2026. Patent holder: Fisheries Research and Production Center LLP.

 

Copyright Certificates

  • Photographic work “Seal Disc”, No. 59588 dated 11 June 2025.
  • Photographic work “Seals in the Heart”, No. 60019 dated 19 June 2025.

 

The conservation of biodiversity, rational use of fish resources and implementation of modern stock assessment methods are important components of the sustainable development of Kazakhstan’s fisheries sector.

The scientific findings obtained are intended to contribute to improving the aquatic biological resource management system and preserving the country’s natural wealth for future generations.