01 October 2025

The Ministry of Agriculture discussed priority areas of scientific research for the fisheries sector

Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut chaired a meeting dedicated to the development of scientific research in the fisheries sector. The event was attended by Ilya Shestakov, Head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries, and Kirill Kolonchin, Director of the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO).
 
The sustainable development of the fishing industry is directly linked to systematic cooperation between business and science. VNIRO's work covers all key areas, including monitoring and studying aquatic bioresources and their habitats, forecasting allowable catches, and introducing underutilized fish, shellfish, and algae species into commercial exploitation. Every year, the institute's representatives conduct approximately 900 expeditions, more than a quarter of which are marine and oceanic. The organization also represents Russia's interests in fisheries internationally.
 
Special attention was paid to promising scientific developments for the fisheries sector. In particular, VNIRO scientists are working on the breeding and genetics of valuable fish species, including salmon. A new breeding and genetics center is being built specifically for these purposes. There is also potential to expand the production of fish seed, domestically produced aquaculture feed, and veterinary vaccines. Furthermore, important objectives include strengthening research into the impact of climate change on fish migration and behavior, as well as implementing modern technologies and digital solutions for monitoring aquatic bioresources.
 
Source: Press Service of the Russian Ministry of Agriculture