FAO Kazakhstan and Regional Partners Convene CACFish 9th Session for Sustainable Aquaculture

The Central Asian and Caucasus Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Commission (CACFish) held its Ninth Session in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 25–26 November 2025. The meeting brought together national delegates and regional experts to strengthen cooperation on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan with support from its Committee on Fisheries, the session gathered representatives from four CACFish Member States, namely Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Türkiye, and six non-member States: Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine.

Opening the session, Serik Sermagambetov welcomed participants on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and thanked FAO for selecting Kazakhstan as the venue for this important regional event. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s significant water resources and its commitment to aquaculture as a rapidly growing sector worldwide. Sermagambetov noted that the Government adopted the Fisheries Development Program until 2030 and enacted the Law “On Aquaculture” earlier this year. He emphasised that ongoing legislative improvements and state support create opportunities for innovation and dynamic growth in aquaculture, expressing confidence that the session would foster constructive proposals for regional cooperation.

Haydar Fersoy, Senior Fishery and Aquaculture Officer at the FAO and Secretary of the Commission, emphasised CACFish’s role as the leading regional platform for addressing challenges in inland fisheries and aquaculture. He highlighted its contribution to strengthening institutional capacities, promoting better management practices, and facilitating the exchange of experiences and lessons learned among Member and observer States. The Chair of the Commission, Mr Mazmadullo Odilov, commended the active engagement of all participants and stressed the importance of continued collaboration to achieve sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in the region.

The session reviewed key decisions and recommendations from FAO Regional Conferences, Committees, and Fisheries Bodies. Delegates examined the Secretariat’s report on administrative, operational, and financial matters, discussed recommendations from the Technical Advisory Committee, and agreed on the Commission’s budget and member contributions for 2025–2026. Participants also approved the revised Rules of Procedure of the Commission and adopted the work programme for the 2025–2027 intersessional period. The Commission further noted with appreciation that additional Member States are expected to join in the coming years. The Commission expressed its sincere appreciation to the host country for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements provided throughout the Session.

Established under the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), CACFish serves as a regional mechanism for governance, conservation, and sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture resources. Its mandate includes promoting responsible resource management, enhancing scientific and technical cooperation, and supporting policy development to improve aquafood security, advance blue transformation, and strengthen rural livelihoods. Through its technical platforms and work programme, CACFish facilitates dialogue, harmonises approaches, and builds institutional capacity across Central Asia and the Caucasus.