Opening of the new Kazakh-Czech aquaculture research center in Astana

On 19^th March 2024, the future dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice (FFPW USB), prof. Tomáš Policar together with the rector prof. Kanat Tireuov, all deans of the faculties of the S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (KATRU) and the academic staff of the Faculty of Forestry, Wildlife and Environmental ceremonially opened the unique Kazakh-Czech research aquaculture center, which will be part of the mentioned university in Astana. All participants of the ceremony were very pleased that Mr. Ambassador from the Czech Republic Ing. Pavol Šepeľák participated to open and visit of the center. The director of the center will be our colleague MSc. Zhaxygali B. Kuanchaleyev. With his research team, we plan to implement a whole series of research projects with high application potential related to the innovation of aquaculture in Kazakhstan. The aim of planned projects is more frequently use the technology of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in the practice of fishery companies for the high-quality and balanced production of pikeperch, rainbow trout, sturgeons, narrow-clawed crayfish, and probably also to start conservation program for Siberian taimen. In addition, we also plan to teach Kazakh master's and doctoral students at FFPW USB. We believe that within the framework of the mentioned future cooperation we will effectively use the established cooperation with the Czech Embassy in Astana, specifically with JUDr. Markéta Pěčková, who supports Czech agriculture innovative and commercial activities in Kazakhstan.