On Issue of Artificial Sturgeon Breeding in the Volga River on the Basis of Aquaponics

Abstract

Sturgeon breeding farms operating in Russia for the purpose of restoring their population cannot achieve acceptable profitability without government support. The study examines the possibility of increasing the economic returns from fish farming through the development of related activities. Namely, the paper substantiates the economic efficiency of an aquaponic complex specializing in the joint breeding of sturgeon and growing berries. The author reveals the natural and ecological foundations of depletion of sturgeon stocks in Russia, considers the scale of this environmental problem on the Volga River. The survey summarizes the results of financial modeling of the aquaponic complex, carries out an analysis of the economic benefits from the use of aquaponic sturgeon breeding technology, and develops practical recommendations for implementation of the proposed approach.