A resident of the village of Slyvyno in Ukraine’s Mykolaiv region, Mykhailo Stepanov, is developing an aquafarm where more than 5,000 Australian redclaw crayfish and about 40 sturgeons are kept.
This was reported by the State Agency of Ukraine for Land Reclamation, Fisheries, and Food Programs Development.
The idea of engaging in aquaculture emerged several years ago through conversations with friends and gradually developed into a personal business.
After studying the characteristics of different crustacean species, the farmer chose the Australian redclaw crayfish due to its fast growth and strong market potential. Juveniles are raised in ponds during the warm season, while in winter they are kept indoors in facilities with controlled water temperature. To reduce losses, the farm follows a strict feeding schedule.
The main diet consists of fresh fish and vitamin supplements, which allow the crayfish to quickly reach market size. The farm is also developing sturgeon production, which, according to the owner, is less demanding in maintenance and shows steady growth. Additionally, kaluga sturgeon is being kept as a promising species for further expansion of production.
The example of Mykhailo Stepanov confirms the significant potential of Ukrainian aquaculture. Even a small farm primarily focused on its own consumption can demonstrate efficient use of local resources, produce high-quality products, and promote modern approaches to the cultivation of aquatic biological resources.
