Development of aquaculture in the northern and arctic territories: problems and solutions (on the example of the Arkhangelsk oblast)

The relevance of this study is due to the need to develop and implement in regional practice effective management decisions that promote the development of fish farms and increase aquaculture production. Since fish farming (aquaculture) is one of the structural components of the fishery complex, the authors pay attention to both the peculiarities of its development in the conditions of the North and the Arctic, and the specifics of economic activity in the field of aquaculture projects. The article presents the results of a survey of the population of the Arctic territories of the Arkhangelsk Oblast on the consumption of fish and fish products, which allowed establishing various consumer profiles of preferences depending on their age category, as well as to identify the main reasons constraining the consumption of fish and fish products (among which: high price, availability of low-quality products in retail outlets, the lack of ability and desire to cook among the younger generation). Based on the results of expert interviews with producers of fish and fish products, as well as with representatives of the scientific community and authorities of the Arkhangelsk Oblast, a problem matrix was compiled and the necessary activities were identified to address key issues of the development of aquaculture projects in the region.