Order No. 409 of the Ministry of Agriculture validating the Rules for the preparation of biological substantiation for the use of fish resources and other aquatic animals.

This Order establishes a unified legal and methodological framework for assessing, managing, and authorizing the use of fishery resources. The Rules define “biological substantiation” as a scientifically grounded conclusion that determines allowable extraction volumes, evaluates impacts of economic activity, and supports sustainable use and conservation of aquatic animal populations.
The Rules set out detailed requirements for who may prepare biological justifications (accredited scientific organizations or specialists), the frequency of assessments, and the objectives of such studies. These include determining optimal fishing regimes, setting limits and bans, calculating maximum allowable catches, assessing population status, planning stocking and reclamation measures, and evaluating impacts of human activities. The document specifies comprehensive data requirements covering hydrology, hydrochemistry, hydrobiology, fish population structure, feeding base, rare and endangered species, and habitat conditions, with methodologies tailored to inland waters and the Caspian Sea.
A substantial portion of the document consists of technical annexes describing standardized methodologies for field surveys, monitoring, stock assessment, and calculation of allowable catches for fish, invertebrates (such as Artemia, gammarus, daphnia, and crayfish), and the Caspian seal. It introduces precautionary and ecosystem-based management approaches, including concepts such as biological reference points, precautionary coefficients, and maximum sustainable yield. Overall, the regulation serves as a highly detailed scientific and administrative manual aimed at ensuring sustainable fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, and evidence-based decision-making in the national aquatic ecosystems.