Sturgeons are now grown in the Odessa region and in Chernivtsi. As a result, due to natural and anthropogenic factors, the population of river fish is falling: compared to 2013, it has decreased by 70%. It is reported by naas.gov.ua.

At such rates, by 2024 Ukraine will be forced to switch to imports. To prevent this from happening, the state must support programs for the selection and reproduction of fish, notes Igor Gritsinyak, director of the Institute.

Thanks to the allocation of funds by the government for the technical re-equipment and reorientation of laboratories in 2008-2009, three new laboratories were created at the Institute of Fisheries of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine: biotechnology, virology and bacteriology, genetics and cytogenetics.

“Our scientists managed to achieve a better breakdown of enzymes - thanks to this, sturgeons get sick less and grow better. The trout population has increased. 16 years ago, 4 tons were grown all over Ukraine, today - 10 thousand. We are already growing 6-8 tons, and in the future - 10 tons of our own red caviar. About 5 tons of black caviar. All these products are sold within the country,” says the director of the institution, Igor Gritsinyak.

According to NAAN specialists, now Ukraine mainly imports marine fish due to the reduction of its own catch.

“In the Sea of ​​Azov, we actually only have a goby, because the rest of the species were exterminated due to an irresponsible, predatory attitude. And from those water areas where there is more population, we were forced out by Russia. The Black Sea fishing areas are also mainly in the hands of the Russian Federation. Therefore, in Ukraine, the catch of sea fish has decreased several times,” comments Ihor Gritsinyak.

He noted that there is no need to import pond fish to Ukraine, because its own population is completely sufficient.

We are able to increase it many times and export it. But other countries protect the interests of their producers. In Ukraine, the regulatory role of the state is leveled. In the US, the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs is almost equal in importance to the Pentagon. And in Ukraine, the corresponding ministry was simply liquidated. And this is despite the fact that 75% of the state budget revenues are formed by the agricultural sector,” the scientist emphasized.

The expert stressed that today the fishing industry is a unique livestock sub-sector that does not import genetic material. The Institute has the only selection and breeding center in Ukraine. And now this living genetic bank is functioning without the help of the state. According to him, the industry needs state protection and support for the selection program.

“The mother material should be stored - at least a double-triple stock. In addition, this material needs to be constantly updated. It should be borne in mind that in 6-8 years the performance of the nest falls. Therefore, the breeding program in the state must be continuous. If we interrupt it for at least a year, our industry will be thrown back by 7-8 years,” explains Igor Gritsinyak.

agronews.ua