Development of aquaculture in Ukraine within the modern paradigm of the blue economy: challenges and opportunities

According to the materials of report at the meeting of the Presidium of the NAS of Ukraine, December 17, 2025

Abstract

The report is devoted to the analysis of the transformation of the marine economy and the role of aquaculture in ensuring Ukraine’s food security and sustainable development. It outlines the evolution of the blue economy paradigm over the past 100 years — from a resource-extractive model to an innovative blue economy that integrates the restoration of marine ecosystems, eco-oriented technologies, marine energy, circular management models, and social development aspects. Particular attention is given to the current state of the Ukrainian fish market, which is characterized by high import dependence (up to 90%), a low share of domestic aquaculture, and structural instability of the aquatic food system. The report proposes a systemic concept for the development of the national aquaculture sector through the formation of a cluster-based aquatic food system that integrates production, processing, logistics, and scientific-innovation potential. Five types of cluster models are proposed, including aquatechparks, innovation and research aquaculture centers, aquaculture service centers, agro-aquaculture integration clusters, logistics and trade hubs, illustrated by the pilot “Blue Delta” project based on the “Odessa Sturgeon Breeding Complex” LLC. The concept of the Blue Economy National Node of the Ukrainian Black Sea Region — UKRMARI is also presented, aiming to integrate Ukrainian scientific and educational institutions into the European research infrastructures (EMSO ERIC, JERICO-RI) and to promote innovation-driven sectoral development. The report emphasizes that the development and implementation of the State Program for Aquaculture Development is essential to overcoming import dependence, ensuring food security, advancing technological modernization, and integrating Ukraine into the European blue economy framework, thereby laying the foundation for maritime statehood and the country’s economic resilience.

Cite this article: 

Iermakova O.A. Development of aquaculture in Ukraine within the modern paradigm of the blue economy: challenges and opportunities (according to the materials of report at the meeting of the Presidium of the NAS of Ukraine, December 17, 2025). Visn. Nac. Akad. Nauk Ukr. 2026. (2): 89—96. https://doi.org/10.15407/visn2026.02.089