Business program 2026

Topics to discuss:

• Practical training and subsequent employment opportunities in Russia’s fisheries industry for students of the Federal Agency for Fisheries educational system
• Human resource potential of Russia’s fisheries sector: which specialists are in demand today and in the future?
• “Russian Student Teams” as a practical tool for integrating students and graduates into the workforce
• Professional opportunities in Russia’s fisheries industry: what makes the sector attractive today?
• What do graduates want, and how can the industry retain highly qualified young professionals?
• Young Professionals in Science: Is the Next Generation Joining Russian Research?

Event details:

Today, BRICS+ countries account for more than 50% of Russia’s fish exports. As global trade links transform and the BRICS+ format expands, new and significant markets are opening up – markets that are keen to import Russian fish and seafood.

Yet practical cooperation is still held back by systemic barriers: tariff imbalances, the lack of mutual recognition of veterinary certificates, and gaps in logistics.

That is why one of the key discussion platforms at the Global Fishery Forum is the Business Session “New Supply Chains and Emerging Routes for Seafood Trade Expansion in BRICS+”, bringing together business leaders, regulators, and experts from BRICS+ member states to develop practical solutions for diversifying exports and removing barriers.

The main goal of the event is to put forward a proposal to establish a Fisheries Working Group under the BRICS Business Council – a standing platform to harmonize requirements and coordinate efforts to develop fish trade among the countries of the association.

Topics to discuss:

• What key structural constraints are currently shaping the resilience of fish supply chains between BRICS+ countries: logistics, payments, quality standards, certification, or access to infrastructure?
• Which product and price segments hold the greatest potential for mutual trade within BRICS+?
• At which links in the value chain – harvesting, processing, transportation, or cold-chain logistics – do the main breaks in trade occur today?
• Which regulatory, currency, and logistics barriers are currently having the greatest impact in limiting the growth of fish trade?
• What mechanism could Russia propose to create a unified information platform that brings together participants in fish trade across BRICS+ countries?

The outcome of the session will be a set of consolidated proposals for developing fish trade within the BRICS+ format. BRICS countries together account for more than 60% of global fish production – around 25% of the world’s wild catch and 75% of global aquaculture.

Discussing key barriers and promising solutions at the Forum will be an important step in shaping a new architecture for fish trade among the countries of the association.

Prospective speakers:

1. Andre Septiyanto, Head, PT. MIR (Maju Indonesia, Russia); B2BASEAN Alliance
2. Ibrahim Mello, Iran expert and Middle East specialist (GR, SVT), Member of the BRICS+ Consortium Business Council
3. Representative of ABRAPES (Brasil)
4. Representative of MPEDA (India)
5. Artem Povarov, General Director, ASP Logistic LLC
   From Shipping Routes to Markets: A New-Generation Logistics Operator for Fish and Seafood Exports to BRICS+ Countries and Africa
6. Representative of Vladivostok Sea Fishing Port

Event details:

The Caspian Sea has no borders in the true sense of the word. Its ecosystem is unified: fish do not follow political demarcation lines, pollution does not stop at national borders, and changes in the food base in one part of the basin immediately affect the entire water body. At the same time, the Caspian is divided among five countries, each pursuing its own environmental management policies, with differing levels of scientific infrastructure and its own approach to balancing hydrocarbon extraction with the preservation of fisheries potential.

This is where science, ecology and digital technologies cease to be separate disciplines and become a single integrated tool. Artificial intelligence technologies – including predictive modelling, satellite data analysis, computer vision, and early warning systems for pollution – can provide what traditional monitoring methods lack: speed, coverage, and real-time responsiveness across an entire enclosed water system. However, technology without data is powerless, and data without cooperation is incomplete.

Universities across the Caspian states, united by a shared scientific agenda, hold unique potential to form a cross-border research environment – one in which shared datasets, harmonized methodologies, and the training of a new generation of specialists become the foundation for the sustainable development of the entire regional fisheries sector.

The roundtable “The Caspian Sea Without Borders” is a platform for equal dialogue between science, business and international organizations on how, by removing institutional and national barriers, the Caspian Sea can be preserved as a living ecosystem and a foundation of the fisheries sector for present and future generations.

Event details:

Today’s youth in Russia represent 37 million citizens who are studying and beginning their career paths within the country. The fisheries sector employs tens of thousands of students and hundreds of thousands of professionals engaged in the full production cycle of fish products, ensuring national food security.

Each of them has opportunities not only for professional growth as employees of enterprises, but also for personal development as individuals. Today, all the necessary conditions for developing human capital have been created, and young specialists only need to make use of them.

The panel session “Dive Into the Industry! Opportunities for Russian Youth in the Fisheries Sector” will explore best practices for youth development both at the national level and specifically within the fisheries industry.

Topics to discuss:

• Youth policy of Russia’s fisheries sector as the key driver of workforce security in the industry
• The Rosmolodezh ecosystem and opportunities for youth in Russia’s fisheries sector
• Experience of cooperation between the All-Russian student project "Tvoi Khod" (Your move) and the Federal Agency for Fisheries education complex
• Russia – a Land of Opportunities: equal opportunities for everyone
• Practical mechanisms for engaging children in Russia’s fisheries sector
• Value-based messaging: how to convey “Knowledge” to the younger generation in Russia
• Fishing routes of Russia and engaging youth in recreational fishing

Event details:

In 2025, the final of the Biohackathon “FARWATER” was held for the first time as part of the Global Fishery Forum. The event demonstrated strong results, bringing together 101 teams, more than 250 participants, and 51 organizations from across Russia, including all five specialized universities under the Federal Agency for Fisheries and 30 leading Russian universities, such as Lomonosov Moscow State University, ITMO University, Far Eastern Federal University, and Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy.

The finalist projects covered key technological areas, ranging from AI-based fish health monitoring and autonomous seaweed harvesting to medical materials derived from aquatic biological resources and environmentally friendly sorbents.

Following the successful 2025 edition and the growing need to integrate robotics into the youth innovation agenda, the 2nd All-Russian Youth Biohackathon “FARWATER-2026” will expand its focus to include the following areas:

• Underwater robotics and ROV technologies: computer vision solutions for remotely operated vehicles, autonomous navigation systems, detection of cage damage and biofouling, and automated stock assessment
• Artificial intelligence in aquaculture: predictive health analytics, smart feeding systems, and digital twins for fish farming operations
• Algae biotechnology: value-added processing, innovative food products, feed ingredients, and pharmaceutical applications
• Sustainable aquaculture: recirculating aquaculture systems, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, and low-carbon production solutions
• Aqua-Press: youth-led media projects and digital content dedicated to the fisheries and aquaculture sector

Details available at the link: https://biohackathon.ru/

Event details:

The growth in the share of value-added fish products depends not only on catch volumes, but also on the state of production and market infrastructure, including access to modern processing technologies, equipment development, the availability of ingredient bases, and packaging solutions that ensure convenience, product safety, and consumer appeal.

The systematic development of these areas creates a foundation for scaling ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat formats, which are becoming key drivers of transformation in the fisheries industry and reflect a shift toward a more sophisticated product and consumer market structure.

Topics to discuss:

• What systemic constraints currently define the scale of deep fish processing, from technologies and equipment to demand structure and logistics?
• What needs to change in the production, technological and distribution chain for ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat fish products to become mainstream rather than niche offerings?
• Where in the value creation chain, from harvesting and processing to packaging and distribution, is the main value-added generated today and through which infrastructure elements can it be lost?
• What currently limits the development of demand for ready-made fish products: price, consumer habits or the lack of competitive technological and product offerings?
• Who can drive the transition to a product-oriented model and through which solutions: fisheries, processing industry, retail or an integrated ecosystem of technology, market and production?

Prospective speakers:

1. Ilya Orsik, Deputy Head, Agriculture, Food and Road-building Machinery, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation
2. Pavel Zubkov, CEO, Morskie Kompleksnye Sistemy (MKS)
   Processing Equipment, Ship Completion, and Import Substitution of Finishing Materials
3. Evgeny Meshcheryakov, Professional Chef and Food Production Technologist; Restaurant Projects: Blok, Zhivago, Beluga, UmiOysters, More na Patrikakh; Founder, Dary Rusi Company
4. Representative of Arktek LLC
5. Representative of POLAIR GROUP JSC
6. Representative of ULMA Packaging
7. Representative of PTC Soyuz-Polymer LLC
8. Representative of Formbar

Event details:

The round table will present the key points from The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 (SOFIA–2026) FAO flagship report and the outcomes of the 37th session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (Rome, 7–11 September 2026) with a special focus on approaches and recommendations for addressing pressing challenges in aquatic food systems.

Global production of aquatic resources has continued to grow, reaching a new high of 235 million tonnes in 2024, providing livelihoods to more than 600 million people. This growth has been primarily driven by the development of aquaculture, with its production surpassing a record of 100 million tonnes.

In addition, almost 230 countries and territories participated in the trade in aquatic foods, generating the total revenue of approximately USD 186 billion. The internationally traded share of aquatic animal foods reached 36%, and the per capita consumption rate amounted to 21.3 kg.

SOFIA–2026 is focused on promoting sustainable aquaculture development to meet the growing demand for aquatic foods; ensuring effective management of the fisheries sector to improve the health of fish stocks and generate equitable livelihoods; and modernizing aquatic food value chains in accordance with the FAO Blue Transformation concept.

Published biennially, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) FAO flagship report, which is targeted at state body representatives, scientists, fishers and fish farmers, representatives of the fishing industry and trade networks, civil society and consumers, provides up-to-date information, evidence, and scientific views on challenges and opportunities, and practical recommendations regarding innovative solutions that impact the current state of the sector and its future.

SOFIA–2026 with the main theme of Blue Transformation: turning vision into impact provides examples of activities and initiatives coordinated by FAO in collaboration with member states, partners, and key stakeholders, which are aimed at better integrating aquatic foods into efforts to ensure global food security and sustainability, scientific research and capacity building activities, and promote sustainable practices and technological innovations.

The document presents the role of FAO and its partners in encouraging the transformation needed to expand and intensify aquaculture, effectively manage global fishery resources, and improve the efficiency of aquatic value chains. In addition, it examines the challenges and opportunities related to the untapped potential of using fish processing by-products to improve food security and nutrition and describes the role of aquatic food systems in finding critical solutions for climate, biodiversity, and the environment.

The report forecasts trends to 2034 based on improved approaches to data collection, updated tools and analysis and evaluation methods.

Established by the FAO Conference in 1965, the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) is the only global intergovernmental forum to hold global consultations and develop recommendations on technical and policy issues related to world fisheries and aquaculture.

The Committee provides global guidelines to regional fishery bodies, the private sector, and the international community. COFI contributed to the development and adoption of a number of mandatory and voluntary documents that changed the approach to work in the fisheries sector in the interests of ensuring resource sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

During the 37th session of the Committee (Rome, 7–11 September 2026), it is planned to discuss the role of FAO and regional fishery bodies (RFB) in promoting the implementation of international agreements related to fisheries and aquaculture, sustainable solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation in aquatic environments, and supporting small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, including inland fisheries, and enhancing their contribution to food security, nutrition, and livelihoods of coastal communities.

Welcome speech:

1. Oleg Kobiakov, Director, FAO Russia Liaison Office
2. Kirill Kolonchin, D.Sc. in Economics, Director, VNIRO

Prospective speakers:

1. Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General, Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division of FAO, Rome, Italy (video message)
   Key points from The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 flagship report
2. Haydar Fersoy, Senior Fishery and Aquaculture Officer of FAO for Europe and Central Asia
   Outcomes of the 37th session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (Rome, 7–11 September 2026)
3. Alexander Panin, Chair, Fish Union Non-Profit Organization
   On the state and current trends of global trade in fish and fish products
4. Savely Karpukhin, Director-General, Russian Fishery Company LLC
   The perfect counter: How fish product standards are changing the Russian retail market
5. Konstantin Sokolov, PhD (Biology), Head of the Polar Branch of VNIRO (PINRO named after N.M. Knipovich)
   Scientific support for sustainable fisheries in the Northern Basin: challenges and prospects
6. Victoria Barinova, PhD (Biology), Head of the Aquaculture Department, VNIRO
   From technology to ecology: priorities for aquaculture development in Russia in the context of food security and aquatic ecosystem conservation

Event details:

The unbroken cold chain in the fisheries industry today is no longer a desirable component of transportation and storage, but a critical requirement for ensuring the delivery of high-quality products from the point of catch or production to the end consumer’s table.

The “Cold Chain” project is one of the priority initiatives of the International Coordinating Council on Trans-Eurasian Transportation (CCTT) and is chaired by the President of the Association of Food Sector Organizations (ASORPS).

The roundtable will focus on real-life case studies and promising directions for the development of an unbroken cold chain, specifically in the transportation of frozen and chilled fish products.

Prospective speakers:

1. Andrey Grechkin, General Director, Dalreftrans (FESCO Transportation Group)
2. Temir Zholdasov, General Director, Refagrotrans LLC
3. Representatives of fishery enterprises and fish processing plants
4. Representatives of retail chains

Event details:

In today's environment of intense global technological competition and accelerating scientific and technological progress, young people are emerging as the primary drivers of innovation. The new generation's ability to think outside the box, rapidly absorb cutting-edge knowledge, and propose bold solutions has become a critically important strategic asset for achieving national science and technology goals. Attracting talented youth into research and development is therefore one of the central priorities of the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia.

In line with the government's commitment to supporting gifted young people, Kerch State Maritime Technological University has deliberately built its strategy around leadership in organizing scientific and science communication events. This is evidenced by the university's three-time success in grant competitions for student research associations run by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

Drawing on this track record of effective practice, the university's active community of young researchers, students, and cadets has developed a project session program in the form of a simulation platform. This format is designed to bridge the interests and capabilities of the industry's commercial sector with its scientific potential. The event also incorporates advanced principles of project management drawn from the program for developing a managerial reserve in science, technology, and higher education. Using these tools, students and cadets will work on finding practical solutions to real-world industry challenges.

Event details:

In recent years, both industry professionals and scientists have increasingly observed a worrying trend: key commercial fish stocks in Russian waters, including pollock, sardine (iwashi), Atlantic herring, Pacific salmon, and Barents Sea cod, are showing significant declines. This is putting pressure on the stability of the fisheries sector and threatening the economic health of coastal communities where the industry serves as a primary source of employment.

The situation is driven by a complex mix of factors, from climate effects on marine resources to shifts in forage availability and reproductive challenges. Russia has a deep historical heritage in fishing and is endowed with rich aquatic resources across thirteen seas, extensive river systems, and numerous inland water bodies, all of which offer immense opportunities for sustainable harvest. Yet the question remains whether we are making the most of this potential. The aim of this discussion is to generate actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the research community, enabling Russian fisheries not only to sustain but also to expand their catch capacity in the years ahead.

Topics to discuss:

• What are the key drivers and current dynamics behind the decline in major fish stocks across Russia's main fishing areas?
• How reliable are the existing data on stock status? Are there issues with the accuracy of biomass assessments for commercial populations, and what can be done to improve the precision of scientific forecasting?
• How effective are current fishery management measures? What improvements could be made to the quota and catch control systems in order to encourage responsible fishing practices and effectively combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing?
• Which elements of stock management approaches used by other countries, such as Norway, Iceland, and Japan, could be successfully adapted to the Russian context? How productive is international cooperation in managing shared and transboundary stocks?
• Can aquaculture and inland freshwater fisheries serve as a buffer against declining marine catches? Are consumers and the industry ready to shift toward less popular but more sustainable fish species?

Prospective speakers:

1. Oleg Bulatov, D.Sc. (Biology), Director of Scientific Work, VNIRO
2. Alexey Baitaliuk, PhD (Biology), Deputy Director – Head of the Pacific Branch, VNIRO (TINRO)
3. Vyacheslav Bizikov, D.Sc. (Biology), Deputy Director for Research – Head of the Department of Commercial Hydrobionts, VNIRO
4. Konstantin Sokolov, PhD (Biology), Head of the Polar Branch of VNIRO (PINRO named after N.M. Knipovich)
5. Olga Maznikova, PhD (Biology), Head of the Department of Anadromous Fish of Russia, VNIRO

Event details:

Trout and salmon farming are becoming the most visible drivers of growth in Russia’s aquaculture sector, which has reached a plateau and now requires new development incentives. The industry needs a unified platform for sharing experience, reviewing performance results, and defining further steps to improve efficiency.

This is why the International Trout Forum is becoming a key event in the development of the aquaculture agenda. It will bring together major producers, heads of Russian regions, and representatives of friendly countries involved in the development of salmon and trout farming.

The main objective of the event is to exchange experience and develop promising areas of cooperation to ensure the most effective use of best practices among participants.

Topics to discuss:

• How do global climate and environmental changes affect trout farming in different countries, and which solutions have already proven effective and can be scaled across diverse natural conditions?
• Which production, marketing and export strategies enable trout farming to combine business sustainability with margin growth in international markets?
• Where is value added in the trout industry created across different countries: at the level of raw materials, processing, finished products, branding, marketing or market access?
• Which elements of the value chain: feed, stocking material, technology, logistics and processing, have the greatest impact on the competitiveness of the industry in different countries today?
• How do differences in natural and climatic conditions, including cold, warm and mountainous water systems, affect production costs, margin structure and export competitiveness in trout farming, and can a unified economic model for the industry exist?

Prospective speakers:

1. Turgay Türkyılmaz, Director General of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye*
2. María Soledad Tapia Almonacid, Director of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service of Chile (SERNAPESCA)*
3. Igor Zubarev, Senator of the Federation Council, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy
4. Olga Palkina, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Republic of Karelia
5. Alan Makiev, Acting Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania*
6. Oleg Lityaykin, Managing Director, Center for Industry Expertise, Rosselkhozbank JSC
7. Representative of Iran’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Organization
8. Representatives of aquaculture farms

Event details:

To implement the updated Shipbuilding Industry Development Strategy through 2036, as well as the long-term plan for civilian vessel construction through 2035, the domestic marine equipment industry is expected to supply a significant share of marine equipment products and master critical technologies. A range of state support measures and instruments has been established to achieve this.

One of them is the import substitution program, under which more than one hundred integrated projects are being implemented to develop critical marine equipment, with over half already at an advanced stage of implementation.

Localization requirements in shipbuilding are currently standardized under Government Decree No. 719, which applies to all types of vessels, including fishing vessels. For the fishing fleet specifically, reduced scoring thresholds apply, set at 2,400 points. Since 2025, a new provision has also been in force introducing a 1.4 coefficient increase in localization scores for vessels up to 30 meters in length.

However, both industry stakeholders and shipowners still have concerns regarding marine equipment manufacturers and regulatory bodies in the area of import substitution. These include the need to expand the range of domestically produced equipment, improve technical and economic performance, reduce costs for end users, and ensure accessible servicing and spare parts supply.

At the same time, marine equipment manufacturers also raise issues related to expanding support measures for actual production, improving transparency in certification processes, and ensuring the applicability of equipment in specific vessel projects.

The session proposes to examine the issue of import substitution of marine equipment from multiple perspectives – both from shipowners and manufacturers, as well as regulatory authorities – to raise key questions and potentially identify not only answers but also practical solutions.

Topics to discuss:

• Definition of new state support measures to implement plans for building the fishing fleet
• Inclusion of specific marine equipment manufacturing projects into targeted programs (with subsequent financing) based on the new Shipbuilding Industry Development Strategy
• Import substitution in shipbuilding and compliance with current localization requirements, with priority given to Russian-made equipment on vessels
• Ways to address the main current challenges in the industry, including the inability to localize certain categories of marine equipment

Within the framework of the roundtable, together with representatives of the Shipbuilding Industry and Marine Equipment Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Agency for Fisheries, the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, CNIIMF “Kurs,” United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), shipyards, and marine equipment manufacturers, it is proposed to develop recommendations for specific measures to be included in state programs, and to identify the most pressing issues in the fishing fleet construction sector that require financing and the attention of the Shipbuilding Industry and Marine Equipment Department.

Prospective speakers:

1. Irina Panchenko, Senior Vice President, Leningrad Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry
   Typical Mistakes in Document Submission to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
2. Representative of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping
   Domestic Equipment for Fishing Vessels: Dynamics and Promising Directions
3. Representative of KONAR Group of Companies
   Production of Domestic Azimuth Thrusters: Completed Projects and Manufacturing Capabilities
4. Representative of SRTM LLC
   Production of Onboard Fish Processing Factories

Event details:

The concept of the event is to foster a discussion on global price formation in Russia and in international markets – from past through present to future – and on evolving consumption trends. The central message is that, against the backdrop of global population growth and stagnating wild catch volumes, competition in the global market for healthy protein will only intensify. Fish will no longer be a cheap commodity; therefore, it is essential to shift public attention from price to value in relation to fish products.

It is evident that the increase in fish prices is driven by multiple factors. This trend applies to the global market as a whole, and there are no objective grounds to expect prices to decline. Fish prices are rising at a pace that outstrips official inflation. However, to what extent does fish actually diverge from overall food inflation when compared with other product categories?

In the Russian Federation, four aquatic biological resources account for 69% of total catch, while the next four species contribute only an additional 10%, bringing the total to 80%. Surplus volumes are exported, also fulfilling the national objective of increasing export revenues from the agro-industrial sector. Other species harvested by Russian fisheries, due to limited volumes and the specifics of processing and logistics at the federal level, are more suited to regional consumption and are not well adapted to the main distribution channel – federal retail chains. The issue of species diversity is therefore addressed through imports. As a result, Russia effectively “trades fish for fish” and is one of the key players in the global seafood market; consequently, it must operate under global rules and accept international pricing.

What is to be done?

It is necessary to communicate to the public – particularly to younger generations – that the “cheap” fish of the Soviet era and today’s fish products are fundamentally different. By clearly conveying the nutritional and societal benefits of fish consumption, it is possible to enhance the perceived value of the product and increase consumer satisfaction.

Topics to discuss:

• What does the global seafood market look like in terms of capture fisheries and aquaculture production volumes, as well as product diversity (trends across 1960–1990–2020/2025–2050)? What are the global price trends, including examples from leading countries? How do price levels compare with purchasing power and standards of living?
• What are the dynamics of fish consumption across continents and in major countries (population over 100 million)? Where is population growth concentrated, and how is fish consumption evolving in these regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Arab world? How does income stratification (rising or declining incomes) correlate with changes in consumption patterns (for example, the growth of the middle class in China driving demand for high-value products such as crab)?
• A global trend is the declining interest in fish among younger generations, partly due to the westernization of diets (the popularity of fast food, snacks, and other less healthy options). This issue affects many countries, including Russia, Norway, Japan, the United States, and Korea. What approaches already exist to shift the attention of younger consumers toward healthy fish products? Can this trend be reversed through marketing?
• What programs are being implemented in different countries to increase fish consumption, taking into account national production specifics? For example, how does Norway – one of the world’s largest salmon producers – develop both domestic and export demand? How does the United States promote consumption of pollock and crab? What policies are pursued by major global players in balancing export strategies with domestic consumer interests?
• Fish vs. meat: which protein sources are prioritized by leading economies? How are shares of meat, poultry, and fish distributed within the “protein plate” in countries such as the United States, the EU, China, the Republic of Korea, and other major markets?
• The price of fish products is influenced not only by raw material costs but also by factors such as logistics (including fuel costs), sanctions, and other constraints. What is happening in international logistics in terms of freight rates, cargo volumes, and trade flows? How are transportation costs for seafood changing globally (by region) and in Russia, and how does this affect production costs? What support measures for seafood transportation exist in other countries?
• How can a new consumer perception be shaped: shifting from “Fish is expensive” to “Fish is healthy and tasty”? Health is invaluable and should not be compromised. What programs, tools, and policy measures can enhance the perceived value of fish products and increase consumer satisfaction?

Prospective speakers:

1. Oleg Kobiakov, Director, FAO Russia Liaison Office
2. Andrey Kim, Chief Representative of the Federal Agency for Fisheries in the Republic of Korea
   The Republic of Korea as a Global Hub and Key Consumer of Fish Products: Market Balance and Demand Dynamics
3. Nikolay Mochalov, Analyst, Fish Union
   On Fisheries Catch Trends, Global Market Dynamics, and the Ratio of Fish to Meat Consumption (Pork/Chicken)
4. Ekaterina Kulenko, Director of Marketing, Meridian
5. Andrey Grechkin, General Director, Dalreftrans (FESCO Transportation Group)
   On International Logistics
6. Dmitry Aveltsov, Director, Center for Agro-Analysis, Ministry of Agriculture of Russia*
   Navigating the Global Market While Protecting Domestic Interests: National Programs to Boost Fish Consumption

Event details:

The work of the International Trout Forum will continue with a discussion of more specialized issues. Experts, as well as representatives of business and science, will focus on equipment and technologies, feed and stocking material, the sufficiency of domestic production capacities to ensure technological sovereignty, and optimal approaches to the import of necessary inputs, as well as other components of aquaculture enterprise economics.

Topics to discuss:

• Which components of the value chain such as feed, stocking material and equipment are already localized in Russia and where does international cooperation remain beneficial and necessary?
• What lessons has international experience provided to Russian aquaculture producers and which domestic technologies and developments have the strongest potential for export and international adoption?
• What is the potential of joint aquaculture and trout farming projects to improve key production indicators including juvenile survival rates, feed efficiency and reductions in losses during transportation and processing?
• RAS and pond-based trout farming: profitability, biological risks, technological solutions and the specific features of both models in domestic and export oriented production.
• How do modern approaches to processing and utilization of aquaculture waste including feed residues, organic matter and by-products affect production costs and environmental sustainability in trout farming and which solutions have already proven economically effective?

Prospective speakers:

1. Nikolay Karelin, General Director, Algotec LLC
2. Dmitry Yakimov, CEO, MELKOM-Market LLC (part of MELKOM Group JSC)
3. Representative of Fish Feed JSC
4. Representative of MUSTALAHTI LLC
5. Representative of Qihang Fishing Cage Rus, Official Dealer of Qingdao Qihang Fishing Cage Co., Ltd (China)
6. Representative of Asakua (Turkey)

Event details:

The Russian Government has revised its approach to implementing the second stage of the investment quota program, shifting its focus toward the construction of small- and medium-tonnage fishing vessels. Under the updated regulations, the quota allocations linked to the construction of these vessels have been doubled.

These changes have the potential to become a major driver for the modernization of the largest segment of Russia's fishing fleet. At the same time, achieving this objective presents a number of significant challenges.

The experience gained during the first stage of the investment quota program demonstrated that the primary obstacle lies in the differing economic priorities of the key stakeholders. Fishing companies are primarily concerned with construction speed, predictable delivery schedules, and the operational readiness of vessels, whereas shipbuilders focus on production capacity utilization, equipment availability, cost escalation risks, and the extent to which a project can be integrated into existing production cycles. In addition, successful implementation requires modern vessel designs that are both cost-effective and adapted to today's realities of sourcing shipboard equipment and components.

These challenges are further compounded by the need for updated government support measures and incentive mechanisms that adequately address the interests of both shipyards and vessel owners.

The roundtable "Industrial Fleet – Moving from Present to Future" will bring together representatives from across the fleet construction value chain to explore possible scenarios for the industry's future development. Discussions will cover both large-scale fleet construction and the modernization of small- and medium-tonnage vessels, taking into account the Russian Government's updated shipbuilding strategy, revised shipyard production plans, and current state support programs.

Particular attention will be devoted to the small fishing vessel segment. Vessel owners and fleet operators will discuss the operational challenges they currently face and the specific requirements associated with small fishing vessels. Together with shipyards and naval architects, participants will identify priority incentive mechanisms and potential improvements to existing government support measures that could accelerate the renewal of this vital segment of the fishing fleet.

Topics to discuss:

• Analysis of the current situation in the fishing fleet shipbuilding sector
• Ways to improve the efficiency of fishing fleet construction at shipyards
• Definition of a list of critical marine equipment and materials, and the potential use of Russian-made equipment in domestic concept designs for fishing vessels
• Strengthening cooperation with shipowners at all stages of vessel construction
• Improving the competitiveness of Russian fishing vessel designs in terms of delivery time and quality
• Identification of the most critical areas in vessel design for potential inclusion in state programs and shipyard subsidy schemes

Prospective speakers:

1. Oleg Martens, General Director, Adomat Marine LLC
   Modernization of Small Fishing Vessels: Achievements, Challenges, and Government Support
2. Konstantin Globenko, Chairman of the Board of Directors, RFC
   Experience in Building a Series of BMT (Large Freezer Trawlers) at Russian Shipyards: Problems and Solutions
3. Alexander Solovyov, General Director, Onega Shipyard (OSSZ)
   Economics of Fishing Vessel Construction
4. Representative of V.I. Lenin Shipbuilding Company
5. Representative of Torsiotest LLC
6. Representative of FORS Technologies LLC

Event details:

The seafood aisle is becoming clearer and more shopper‑friendly. Seafood Expo Russia is launching a new "Best Fish Product" Competition designed to spotlight the industry's top offerings and give consumers a fresh, reliable benchmark when making their choice. Winners will earn the right to display gold, silver, or bronze medals on their packaging, serving as a mark of recognized quality and taste. Taking part in the competition offers brands a valuable opportunity to boost visibility and present their products to millions of potential buyers. Applications are open until 31 July.

Event details:

The session is proposed as a practice-oriented industry discussion based on the working group approach of the Fish Union “Fish Day Every Day,” focused on increasing fish consumption and promoting the healthy nutrition agenda. The central idea is to explore which joint actions by government, producers, brands, processors, retailers, fishers, and communication platforms can transform fish from an occasional purchase into a staple of everyday consumption.

The session will also present the first results of the working group. The relevance of the topic is confirmed by the fact that, despite a high level of self-sufficiency in fish production, domestic consumption in Russia still has significant growth potential, and the issue of increasing fish and seafood consumption has already become established in both industry and public discourse.

The “Fish Day Every Day” concept is viewed as an overarching framework for a systematic approach to consumer engagement, retail, product assortment, price accessibility, and healthy lifestyle communication.

Key objective:

To develop a shared understanding of the key drivers of growth in fish consumption in Russia and to discuss practical measures that market participants are ready to implement jointly within the framework of the “Fish Day Every Day” program.

Topics to discuss:

• What currently prevents fish from becoming a regular choice for most Russian households: price, consumption habits, cooking complexity, or insufficient communication?
• Which product categories and formats currently offer the greatest potential for increasing consumption?
• From the retail perspective, what is most effective in increasing purchase frequency: pricing, shelf placement, in-store navigation, content, or brand collaborations?
• What joint actions is the industry ready to take within the framework of the Fish Union working group approach?

Prospective speakers:

1. Alexander Panin, Chair, Fish Union Non-Profit Organization
2. Olga Deeva, Marketing Director, Agama Company
3. Ekaterina Kulenko, Marketing Director, Meridian
4. Oleg Ryabov, Category Director, “Ultrafresh” Division, Perekrestok Retail Chain
5. Kirill Kostyna, Managing Director, Corporate Banking Department, Rosselkhozbank JSC
6. Oleg Moskvin, Commercial Director, Russian Fishery Company
7. Natalia Kondratieva, CEO, Autonomous Non-Profit Organization «Agency for promotion of Fish Products»
8. Alexandra Salamatova, Head of Marketing, Mnogolososya
9. Kirill Kolpakov, R&D Technologist, Fish Category, VkusVill

Event details:

Aquaculture in Russia remains one of the fastest-growing sectors of agriculture. At the same time, the recent stagnation in aquaculture production volumes highlights a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to bring the sector to a new level of development.

Looking at global aquaculture practices, we can see that many of the leading aquaculture-producing countries have faced similar challenges. To varying degrees, these countries have managed to address the problems that emerged at different stages of the sector’s development or mitigate the impact of various limiting factors, enabling further growth in aquaculture production.

The Roundtable will bring together industry experts to discuss aquaculture development pathways in different countries, examine global trends and approaches, and explore tools for overcoming the challenges and limiting factors that inevitably arise in a rapidly developing sector.

Event details:

Establishing fish dishes in children’s diets is one of the fundamental objectives in achieving the goal set by the President of the Russian Federation, V. V. Putin, to increase fish consumption among the population, as dietary habits are formed in childhood. One of the key tools in this direction is increasing fish consumption within the school meals system.

Today, this objective is hindered by a range of factors, from the absence of a mandatory requirement to include fish in school meal menus, allowing substitution with other food products, to the “human factor” affecting the quality of fish preparation in school kitchens and, consequently, the level of acceptance and consumption of fish dishes by children.

Topics to discuss:

• Importance of fish consumption for children’s health and development
• Level of fish consumption in schools
• Opportunities to expand the range of fish products in public and municipal procurement for school meals
• Reducing the “human factor” in the preparation of fish dishes: the role of industrial processing and the development of training for fish technologists
• Balancing nutrition and taste: what modern producers are ready to offer schoolchildren in terms of fish-based meals

Prospective speakers:

1. Irina Bragina, Deputy Head, Rospotrebnadzor*
2. Valentina Ivanova, Director, Federal Center for Monitoring Student Nutrition, State University of Education (SUE)
3. Stanislav Aksenov, President, Association of Fishing Fleet Owners
4. Larisa Sanatovskaya, Executive Director, National Parents’ Association
5. Sergey Simonenko, D.Sc. (Engineering), Director of the Research Institute of Child Nutrition
6. Pyotr Khramtsov, Director, Research Institute of Hygiene and Health Protection of Children and Adolescents, D.Sc. (Medicine), Professor
7. Ekaterina Shugaeva, TV host and blogger, host of the All-Russia People’s Front livestream on Channel One; author and host of the NTV science program “We and Science”
8. Oleg Moskvin, Commercial Director, Russian Fishery Company
9. Natalia Krapil, Marketing Director, UniFrost Group

Event details:

In recent years, global science has made remarkable strides in the breeding and genetics of aquatic biological resources. Researchers have developed new strains of valuable fish, including fast‑growing sturgeon and salmonids with enhanced disease resistance.

However, the introduction of international sanctions has complicated access to foreign fish seed, which has been the foundation of Russia's fastest‑growing aquaculture sector, particularly for trout and salmon production. Russian fisheries science now faces serious challenges: the urgent need to accelerate the development of domestic research and technology infrastructure, to train qualified personnel, and to scale up successful breeding practices.

At the same time, new opportunities are emerging, including closer cooperation with partner countries and the localization of critical component production. This roundtable is intended to assess the current state of Russian genetics in the field of aquatic biological resources, identify key bottlenecks, and outline strategic priorities for the years ahead.

Key objectives:

• To assess the current level of import dependency in aquaculture breeding and genetics, and to identify the key drivers of growth
• To showcase cutting-edge scientific developments and practical case studies from Russian breeding centers and hatcheries
• To explore promising models of cooperation with international partners, including experience exchange, joint research initiatives, and technology transfer
• To develop actionable proposals for adjusting government policy and support measures with the aim of achieving technological sovereignty in breeding and genetics

Topics to discuss:

• What achievements by Russian geneticists in developing new fish breeds can be considered the most significant, and how competitive are they on the international stage?
• How realistic is it to establish a full-cycle production chain for aquaculture seed stock in Russia over the medium term, from fundamental research through to commercial-scale output? What steps would be required to make this a reality?
• Which breakthrough areas in genomics, such as genome editing and marker-assisted selection, hold the greatest promise for Russian aquaculture over the next five to ten years? What are the associated risks and ethical considerations?
• What forms of collaboration with international partners offer the most promising opportunities?
• What are the main gaps in the current regulatory and legal framework governing genetic research and breeding in Russian aquaculture, and what changes are needed to accelerate the uptake of innovation?

Prospective speakers:

1. Viktor Golod, PhD (Biology), Deputy Director, Federal Selective and Genetic Center, Glavrybvod
2. Nikolay Müge, PhD (Biology), Head of the Department of Genetics and Genomic Selection, VNIRO
   Modern Approaches in Trout Breeding
3. Elena Moiseeva, Director, Ardon-Fish Trout Fry Production Company; Founder of FishLab Aquaculture School; Developer of the M2-Aquaculture Accounting Program
   The Economics of Genetics: How Breeding Shapes the Profitability of Trout Farming
4. Anna Belous, PhD (Biology), Director, All-Russian Research Institute of Integrated Fish Farming (Branch of FIC Animal Husbandry named after L.K. Ernst)
   Application of Genomic and Information Technologies for Identification of Genetic Markers in Sturgeon Species: Russian and International Experience
5. Zheng Xianhu, Director, Heilongjiang Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences
   On Sturgeon Breeding

Event details:

Russian seafood exporters have been operating under restrictive measures in unfriendly markets for several years, facing new challenges annually and continuously adapting to them.

In 2026, the United States extended its embargo on Russian fish products. High import tariffs imposed by the United Kingdom and the European Union, as well as other export restrictions, also remain in place.

At the same time, there is still a need to reduce barriers even in friendly markets. Lowering these barriers in BRICS countries is one of the key measures required to support the development of Russian seafood exports.

Topics to discuss:

• Current and target indicators of seafood exports
• Key barriers in external markets today and opportunities for their reduction
• Potential and priorities for developing seafood exports to BRICS countries
• Challenges and opportunities for increasing exports of high value-added seafood products to BRICS countries
• Prospects for developing certification schemes alternative to MSC for BRICS countries
• Development of electronic certification for exports

Prospective speakers:

1. Ilya Shestakov, Head, Federal Agency for Fisheries
2. Ilya Ilyushin, Head, Agroexport
3. Vasily Lavrovsky, Advisor to the Head, Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor)
4. Stanislav Aksenov, President, Association of Fishing Fleet Owners
5. Alexander Mikhailov, Head, Federal State Budgetary Institution “Center for the Fisheries Monitoring and Communications System”
6. Innosent Nkosi Dwayi, Chairman, South African Deep Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA)*
7. Mr. Lyu Daqiang, Chairman, Liao Yu Group Co.
8. Tamires Kinyoesh, Executive Director, ABRAPES
9. Shri Javahar, Chairman, MPEDA*

Event details:

The transition to a bioeconomy is a strategic priority enshrined in the directives of the President of the Russian Federation (Pr‑1091 of 2 May 2026). As a result of these directives, a long‑term strategy for the development of the bioeconomy in the Russian Federation is to be formulated, covering the period up to 2036 and beyond. A key target is to increase the share of deep processing and to introduce zero‑waste technologies across the fisheries complex.

The presidential directives also include the development of a comprehensive package of tax and non‑tax incentives for bioeconomy projects at every stage, from research and development through to finished product manufacturing; support for domestic biotech instrumentation and the production of critically important materials; and an expansion of state‑funded enrolment places in bioeconomy‑related academic disciplines.

At present, a significant proportion of the biomass from caught fish is lost in waste and by‑products, representing foregone added value equivalent to hundreds of billions of rubles annually. The adoption of zero‑waste technologies, biotech solutions, and closed‑loop production cycles can multiply the added value of finished products several times over, while simultaneously reducing environmental pressure. The government is already encouraging the modernization of coastal infrastructure and the advancement of research through mechanisms such as investment quotas and other state support instruments.

The session dedicated to this topic will feature speakers from relevant federal agencies, leading research scientists, and business leaders from the BRICS countries and the Global South. This diverse participation will facilitate the exchange of best practices and the development of collaborative solutions aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of the industry.