Strategy for the Development of Aquaculture in the Russian Federation until 2020.

Strategy for the Development of Aquaculture in the Russian Federation until 2020 is a multisectoral policy document that sets goals and objectives and determines the main directions of the long-term policy of the state in the field of aquaculture taking into account natural and socio-economic conditions, the emerging domestic and external situation in the fisheries sector and its role in ensuring macroeconomic and scientific-technological development of the agro-industrial and fishery complex of the country. With oceanic and other seafood catches declining and inland fishery stocks in critical condition and largely maintained through artificial reproduction, aquaculture is the only sustainable source of increased food fish production.
The main goal of the Strategy in Russia is to provide the population of the country with a wide range of fish products of domestic aquaculture at prices affordable to the population with different income levels.
Priorities for the development of Russian aquaculture, which ensure the achievement of the main objective, are: (a) efficient use of natural fodder resources of waterbodies due to the settling and cultivation of highly productive species of hydrobionts, including those on a multispecies basis; (b) reduction of unit costs of aquaculture production due to application of resource-saving technologies and equipment, reduction of losses during catch, transportation, processing and trade of products; and (c) improving aquaculture production management by improving the production structure, applying modern marketing and advanced training of production personnel.
The main regulatory mechanisms for aquaculture include: (a) measures for the conservation, reproduction and efficient use of aquatic biological resources; (b) measures to create a rational market environment, including coordinated tax, customs, antitrust and institutional reforms; (c) introduction of a system of advanced technical regulations, national standards and norms that increase the efficiency of fish-breeding enterprises and the quality of aquaculture products; and (d) encouraging and supporting strategic initiatives of business entities in the investment and innovation areas.
Aquaculture in the Russian Federation according to the principles of organization and means of production is an integral part of the agricultural and fishery sector of the country's economy. In the fish-breeding technological process all basic principles, methods and techniques typical for breeding, reproduction and cultivation of agricultural animals are used. The increase in fish production in farms in recent years has increased the role of aquaculture in the rural economy in providing the population with food of animal origin. Taking into account that the average per capita income of the rural population is much lower than that of urban residents, the main types of fish consumed are carps, which are located in a low price register.
Based on the integrated use of the natural resource and social potential of the country, aquaculture activities are aimed at addressing the following major national challenges: (a) providing the population with foodstuffs of animal origin; (b) increasing the employment of the population, especially in rural and coastal areas; (c) reducing import dependence on food supplies; and (d) preservation of aquatic biological resources and biodiversity of aquatic animals and plants in the natural habitat.