Fish Farmers in Ukraine to Gain Access to Water Bodies via Auctions and Up to 30% Stocking Subsidies

Ukraine is launching a new phase of support for the fisheries sector by granting fish farmers access to new water bodies through electronic auctions and subsidizing a portion of fish stocking costs. The corresponding bill on investments in the fisheries industry has been approved by the Verkhovna Rada, and applications for partial reimbursement of fish stocking material expenses are open until November 1, 2026.

The Law «On Stimulating the Economic Development of the Fisheries Industry» (No. 12384) was adopted on October 13 in its second reading and as a whole, backed by 275 Members of Parliament. The document provides for attracting private investments into the development of aquaculture and commercial fish farming in designated sections of water bodies.

Investors will be able to access water bodies exclusively through open electronic auctions, with an investment agreement concluded with the auction winner. The law limits the water body area that a single entity can use and sets long-term investment conditions. Investors no longer need to allocate a separate water fund land plot, as operations will be conducted within specific water area coordinates.

In the coastal protection zone, equipment and temporary structures up to 0.1 hectares are permitted, provided there is a scientific and biological justification for each object. According to experts, the new mechanisms will enable the annual production of nearly 14,000 tons of commercial fish, boost aquaculture development, and reduce import dependency.

Simultaneously, applications for financial support for aquaculture producers remain open. The state partially compensates expenses in two areas: raising stocking material for sale and purchasing it for commercial fish stocking. Farms in de-occupied and war-affected areas can receive up to 30% compensation for expenses, while other regions receive 20%, processed through the State Agrarian Register.