The southern branch of the Scientific Research Center of the Russian Federation "All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography" (VNIRO) monitors fish farms in the Azov basin, paying special attention to all stages of the reproductive cycle, starting from the maintenance of producers, caviar production and ending with the release of juveniles into natural reservoirs.
Today, the Donskoy Sturgeon Plant, which is part of the Glavrybvod Federal State Budgetary Institution, plays a leading role in replenishing the sturgeon stock. At this enterprise, producers are raised under controlled conditions and juveniles of especially valuable and valuable fish species such as beluga, sturgeon, Russian sturgeon and sterlet are obtained.
Last week, specialists from the branch's Aquaculture Center took part in the spring bonus training for producers of sturgeon species at the Donskoy Sturgeon Plant. As part of this work, data and materials were collected on the size and mass characteristics of the producers selected to participate in the spawning campaign in 2026.
In order to optimize the technological process when working with producers, biopsy samples of caviar were selected during bonification to establish the polarization coefficient, an indicator that most accurately reflects the stage of maturity of producers. Based on the data obtained, the procedure for injecting and obtaining sexual products from female sturgeon species will be developed.
According to preliminary data, 24 beluga whales, more than 60 Russian sturgeon, 27 sturgeon whales and more than 360 sterlet whales were selected for the spawning campaign.
In order to maintain genetic diversity, eliminate inbreeding and increase the viability of the produced juveniles, the specialists of the Southern Branch of VNIRO annually develop recommendations on optimal breeding pairs based on available data on the genotype of the fish being bred. For this purpose, during the autumn and spring bonification, samples are taken for genotyping beluga, Russian sturgeon and sturgeon.
Scientific support of fish farms makes it possible to optimize technological processes and significantly increase the efficiency of artificial reproduction of especially valuable sturgeon fish.
VNIRO Press Service