In the Novgorod region, a federal scientific and production aquaculture center is set to be established.
In the Demyansk municipal district, plans are underway to create a scientific and production aquaculture center based on the Nikolsky Fish Breeding Plant. The project implementation is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2024.
Valery Stepanov, a seafood supplier from the Russian Far East, explained the nature of a scientific and production aquaculture center: “This institution specializes in research and development in the field of aquaculture, which involves breeding and cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, crayfish, mollusks, and algae in controlled conditions and protected aquatic systems. Aquaculture research centers perform various tasks related to the study and application of modern technologies in aquaculture activities. They conduct scientific research to optimize the conditions for the maintenance and breeding of aquaculture organisms, develop new feeding methods, and care for fish and other aquatic organisms. They also study environmental issues and biodiversity conservation in aquaculture systems.”
The Nikolsky Fish Farm of the Nikolsky Fish Breeding Plant, located in the village of Nikolskoye in the Demyansk district of the Novgorod region, has been in operation since 1854. Since the beginning of 2020, it has become a subdivision of the Northwest Branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Main Directorate of Fisheries” (subordinated to the Federal Agency for Fisheries) and is engaged in breeding aquatic bioresources, as well as maintaining and restoring valuable fish species.
The fish farm has 44 ponds with a total area of 101.7 hectares. Since the beginning of the fall of 2020, 9,507,462 pike larvae, 147,707 pikeperch fingerlings, and 342,282 grayling fry have been released into its water bodies of fishery value as part of compensatory measures.
“The decision to transform the Nikolsky Fish Breeding Plant into a federal aquaculture center is an important step in the development of the aquaculture industry in Russia. This project will help solve many tasks related to the breeding and study of important fish species, as well as the creation of a genetic material base. The center will contribute to the sustainable breeding of valuable fish species, allowing us to supply our fish farms with noble fish. This approach will help strengthen the fishing economy in the region and create additional jobs,” commented Valery Stepanov.
In the expert’s opinion, the establishment of a scientific and production aquaculture center will also contribute to further developments in scientific research in this field. With modern equipment and professional specialists, the center will be able to conduct research on fish breeding selection, improve breeding methods, and the conditions for fish maintenance.
“I am confident that the implementation of this project will contribute to the sustainable development of fisheries, ensure our market with quality products, and improve the quality of life for the local population,” concluded the expert.
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