THE FUTURE OF FISHERIES IS IN THE HANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE!

On November 5, 2026, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) hosted a team-based intellectual and creative competition entitled “The Present and Future of Fisheries in Kazakhstan.”

The event aimed to deepen students’ knowledge of fisheries, highlight the importance and development prospects of the industry, increase young people's interest in aquaculture, and contribute to the training of highly qualified specialists proficient in modern technologies. Particular attention was given to providing financial incentives for students, establishing direct connections with employers, offering opportunities to receive professional guidance from experienced industry specialists, and raising awareness of employment and career development opportunities in the sector.

The competition was opened by Pirimkul Ibragimov, First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board – Rector of KazNARU, Professor, who wished the participants success. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of fisheries to Kazakhstan's agricultural sector and highlighted the need to train qualified specialists with expertise in modern technologies, strengthen links between students and industry, and support the professional development of future specialists.

Marlen Tursynali, founder of the Balyk Mektep project, which sponsored the competition, addressed the development potential of Kazakhstan's fisheries sector and the shortage of qualified professionals in the industry.

“By 2030, Kazakhstan aims to increase its fish farming production to 270,000 tonnes. In this regard, training qualified professionals who are proficient in modern technologies is of particular importance,” said Marlen Tursynali.

During the competition, students demonstrated their knowledge of fisheries, ichthyology, and aquaculture, completed creative assignments, and presented innovative projects aimed at advancing the industry. Participants were assessed not only on their professional knowledge but also on their logical thinking, ability to make quick decisions, and teamwork skills.

The winners were announced as follows:

• 1st place – Sabina Ordagulova, a second-year student at KazNARU;

• 2nd place – a student from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University;

• 3rd place – Nurzhaz Zholdasbek, a fourth-year student at KazNARU.

Special scholarships were awarded to the winners to provide financial support and encourage their further professional development.

The jury included Dani Sarsekova, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Land Resources and Professor; Marlen Tursynali, General Director of Balyk Mektep LLP; Gulnar Kegenova, Assistant Professor at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; Kanat Yermekbayev, General Director of the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology; Tynysbek Barakbayev, Deputy General Director of the Scientific and Production Center of Fisheries LLP; Zhaidarali Tanzharyk, Director of TENGRY FISH LLP; and Gulsim Iskakova, Senior Lecturer at KazNARU.

The competition was sponsored by Balyk Mektep LLP as its general sponsor.