Russia has recently started to pay more attention to aquacultural issues. Over the last five years fish and shellfish farming has become an important part of the national development strategy for fisheries with particular focus on the Russian Far East. Early in 2020, for example, Russia simplified the rules for obtaining land to be used for fish farming. Since then, breeding volumes have increased and capacity in salmon farming has doubled. Growth, however, is still limited by administrative barriers and the sector is dependent on imported feeds and equipment. Unlike in Europe where there are many industry-oriented events, Russia lacks a united platform to maintain a dialog on aquaculture issues and international cooperation.In 2020, Expo Solutions Group, the organiser of Russia’s leading fisheries event, Seafood Expo Russia, announced that it would devote a separate section of the exhibition to aquaculture. It will attract all parts of the supply chain including fish farmers, equipment producers and netmakers, feed, additives, and medicine producers, along with packaging and logistics services. Freshwater and marine aquaculture issues will be also highlighted in the business programme. An international conference on aqua- and mariculture will highlight the development of the sector in Russia and internationally. Experts and representatives from the administration will discuss the current state and prospects of aqua- and mariculture in Russia and speakers from China, Norway, Japan, Denmark and other countries will share their knowledge of the industry, measures for state support, and best practices for working during the pandemic. Participants will also have an opportunity to discuss practical issues in the breakout sessions. Topics would include the challenges offered by fish farming, new technological products, fish feeds, and success stories from selected fish farms.
Seafood Expo Russia welcomes speakers, exhibitors and visitors to the event on 6-8 July 2021 at Expoforum in St. Petersburg, Russia.