Assessment of various aspects of work of cage fish farms from the perspective of best aquaculture practices

Objective: to verify the principles of best aquaculture practices in cage fish farming to identify constraints to sustainable development and develop ways to reduce their effects Methods: comparative-a nalytical methods are used. The information basis for analysis was compiled from the responses of farmers to a questionnaire developed in accordance with principles of the best practices. Novelty : the assessment showed a high degree of compliance of various aspects of cage farming activities with the principles of the best aquaculture practices/ Results: The highest degree of compliance is established for areas that are strictly regulated, and this is facilitated by the control of executive and regulatory authorities. A slightly lower degree of compliance was identified in the groups of criteria related to the fish health and the farm management, which have less strict regulation, but reflect the responsibility of farmers for the safety and productivity of fish, the efficient work of personnel and the economic results of their activities. Areas of activity in the field of reducing environmental impact and interaction with the scientific and educational community were least consistent with the principles of the best aquaculture practices. This may be due to insufficiently developed regulatory framework and due to underestimation by farmers of the importance of these fields for the future. Despite the wide coverage of farms in the survey, relatively few farms responded to the questionnaires, and they also showed a high degree of compliance with the principles of best practices. Most farmers who did not respond to the questionnaire probably have certain difficulties in various fields of their work, which do not allow them to work effectively, to develop sustainably and openly answer the survey questions. Practical significance: This study is a step in the development of a set of guidelines for the best practices of aquaculture in Russia. The widespread use of this set of rules by farmers can be considered as a methodological basis for the sustainable development of aquaculture in our country.