The Central Asian and Caucasus Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Commission (CACFish), established under the FAO Constitution, provides a regional platform to promote responsible fisheries and aquaculture development in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Through dialogue, technical cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives, CACFish supports member countries in improving governance, sustainability, and resilience in the sector while also collaborating with non-member countries in the region.
From 5 to 7 February 2026, experts, policymakers, and aquaculture stakeholders from across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and beyond gathered in Antalya, Türkiye, for a series of events under CACFish, including the 11th Meeting of SUYMEBIR, the 1st Aquaculture EXPO, and the Regional Workshop on Seed Supply for Small-scale Aquaculture. The events facilitated knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration to strengthen aquaculture value chains in the region.
Five aquaculture companies from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan showcased their products at a joint CACFish stand, highlighting regional production capacity and private-sector engagement. The workshop focused on improving seed supply chains, a critical factor for small-scale aquaculture growth, food security, and livelihoods. Participants reviewed national experiences and innovations in producing carp, sturgeon, trout, catfish, and tilapia, explored pond aquaculture systems, and discussed rapid assessment tools and private-sector perspectives. Peer learning and benchmarking allowed countries to identify opportunities and challenges in seed production.
The workshop concluded with recommendations to enhance regional cooperation under CACFish, including strengthening technical capacity, promoting knowledge sharing, and advancing harmonized approaches to seed quality and certification. On 7 February, a high-level panel session on regional cooperation and investment opportunities highlighted the status of national aquaculture sectors and potential frameworks for foreign investment and joint ventures. Panelists emphasized the region’s growing appeal as a destination for sustainable aquaculture investment.
Recommendations from the panel included exploring the creation of an umbrella regional aquaculture organization and establishing an information system to support investors. The Antalya events underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing shared challenges, expanding small-scale aquaculture, and ensuring inclusive growth while maintaining environmental sustainability.
