Introduction of innovative technology of marketable fish production in the Tumak village
Grant MSGPV-RU02-05

During the last several years a rapid reduction of fish stocks, including sturgeon, is observed in the Caspian Sea region, caused by irrational use of aquatic bio-resources and poaching. As the population living in the Volga-Caspian basin was traditionally engaged in fishing and fish processing, decline in fish stocks leads to overexploitation of existing fish stocks, halting or even closing of fish processing plants. This leads to the loss of jobs, social tension and unsustainable development of territories. In particular in the Tumak village there are no lands for agricultural production. Due to the lack of proper conditions for agriculture, the population is occupied by poaching in the Volga River delta and the Northern Caspian Sea. The above mentioned problems have resulted in decrease of employment from 1200 to 200 people. Similar situation is observed throughout the Astrakhan oblast.

This project facilitates the establishment of a fish-farm for intensive growing of marketable fish species in closed pools and ponds through the usage of existing idle waste water treatment plant in the Tumak village. The project aims to reduce the loads on natural biological resources and contribute to sustainable development of the Caspian region by introducing an ecologically safe technology for intensive growing of marketable fish and creation of new job opportunities for the local population. The project is to construct a pond heating system, purchase and assemble the equipment for the fish-farming technology (aeration and water supply system) and construct plastic cover for the pool. Also, it intends to establish a fish processing line (filleted fish, fish meal, and canned fish) and its own feeds (growing of grain-crops on pond fields and preparing feeds using existing production areas). This project is at its early stages and currently, the reservoir is filled with water and some fish fries are released into it.

Project Budget: 100,000 USD  Total Grant: 37,500 USD