Kazakhstan launches first marine fish farm in Central Asia PHOTO

Kazakhstan has launched the first marine aquaculture project in Central Asia, with a new fish farm now operating in the Caspian Sea.

Located around 20 kilometres from the port of Kuryk in Mangistau region, the facility has released 6,000 kilograms, or approximately 30,000 trout fry, into its netted cages, Caliber.Az reports, citing Mangistau Regional Administration.

The project operator, Organic Fish LLP, had previously released a similar number of fry into the sea enclosures.

The farm is among the first major projects to become operational in the region this year. Norwegian-style net cages, 120 metres in diameter and 25 metres deep, have been installed in the waters of the Middle Caspian. 

The area's clean waters, stable natural currents, and favourable environmental conditions are considered ideal for trout cultivation.

The stocking of the farm is being carried out in stages, with plans to release up to 20 tonnes of trout into the cages by the end of the year. The company aims to increase production to 300 tonnes in 2026 and eventually reach 5,000 tonnes per year by 2029.

By Aghakazim Guliyev