CACFish Workshop and side events strengthen regional aquaculture networking and fish seed value chains

The Central Asian and Caucasus Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Commission (CACFish), established under the FAO Constitution, serves as a regional intergovernmental platform promoting responsible fisheries and aquaculture development in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Through dialogue, capacity development and technical cooperation, the Commission supports Member countries in improving governance, sustainability and resilience in the sector, while also cooperating with non-member countries in the region.

Experts, policymakers and aquaculture stakeholders from across Central Asia, the Caucasus and beyond gathered in Antalya, Türkiye, from 5 to 7 February 2026 to participate in a series of events: the 11th Meeting of SUYMEBIR, the 1st Aquaculture EXPO and the Regional Workshop on Seed Supply for Small-scale Aquaculture, all organized under the framework of CACFish.

Five aquaculture companies from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan jointly exhibited their products at a CACFish stand, showcasing regional production capacity and private-sector engagement.

The workshop provided a regional platform to exchange knowledge, assess challenges and identify opportunities to strengthen seed supply chains — a critical foundation for the sustainable growth of small-scale aquaculture. Reliable access to high-quality seed is essential for improving productivity, livelihoods and food security across the region.

Over three days, participants reviewed national experiences and emerging innovations in seed production, including carp, sturgeon, trout, catfish and tilapia value chains. Technical sessions explored pond aquaculture systems, rapid assessment tools for seed supply chains and private-sector perspectives. Country representatives presented current realities and development priorities, enabling peer learning and regional benchmarking.

The workshop concluded with recommendations aimed at enhancing regional cooperation under CACFish, including strengthening technical capacity, promoting knowledge exchange, and advancing harmonized approaches to seed quality and certification.

On 7 February, a high-level panel session entitled “Regional cooperation and investment opportunities” was jointly organized by FAO/CACFish, the Turkish Aquaculture Producers’ Central Union (SUYMERBIR), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye. Panelists from participating countries outlined the status of their aquaculture sectors and highlighted national frameworks for foreign investment and joint ventures. The panel underscored the region’s growing potential as an attractive destination for sustainable aquaculture investment.

The panel recommended exploring the establishment of an umbrella regional aquaculture organization bringing together national aquaculture unions from Central Asia and the Caucasus. It also proposed creating an information collection system to support investors in the region.

The Antalya events highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing shared challenges and unlocking the economic and social potential of aquaculture. Participants emphasized that stronger regional partnerships and investment-friendly frameworks will be key to expanding small-scale aquaculture while ensuring environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.