Kazakhstan boosts fish farming via new aquaculture law
The Senate of Kazakhstan has given general approval to the aquaculture law, returning it to Parliament with a series of proposed amendments. MP Sultan Dyusembinov, who presented the bill, highlighted its goal of advancing fish farming and attracting investment into the sector.

Senate approves aquaculture bill with amendments
According to the proposal, water bodies of national and international importance could be allocated to businesses without a competitive tender, provided they commit at least 150,000 MCI (approximately 589.8 million tenge) in investment.
The legislation also introduces government oversight through inspections and preventive measures, along with the development of an information system to monitor aquaculture operations.
While senators backed the overall initiative, they suggested several changes. These include shifting responsibility for land cadastre valuation from the "Government for Citizens" Corporation to the Land Management Institute; revoking land use rights upon the end of subsoil use; requiring businesses receiving state support to fulfill reciprocal obligations; and partially covering loan guarantee commissions and insurance premiums. Additionally, the law would allow direct subsidies on interest rates for loans and leasing.
Introduction of new subsidies for aquaculture development
Lawmakers have amended the process for creating a register of unscrupulous entities, removing provisions that could lead to double penalties. In place of activity fees, a resource usage fee has been proposed. The bill stipulates that bans on activities in fishery water bodies will only be determined by law, not by subordinate regulations.
Additionally, the bill includes subsidies aimed at boosting productivity and improving product quality, supporting the development of breeding aquaculture, and covering investment costs, water supply services, and loan interest.
Other provisions in the bill include reimbursements for grain market operators' feed storage expenses and the establishment of an investment electricity tariff specifically for large, export-oriented producers.
Previous reports have highlighted an increase in fish prices for consumers in Kazakhstan.