Export potential of Ukrainian aquaculture: an economic and ecological approach to development

Анотація

Introduction. Under current conditions of globalisation and increasing requirements for food safety, aquaculture has emerged as a promising area of development within Ukraine’s agro-industrial sector. The country’s extensive water resources, moderately continental climate, high biological diversity, and access to the Black and Azov Seas provide a solid foundation for building a robust export segment in the fishery industry. The global aquaculture market is exhibiting stable growth due to the overexploitation of oceanic fish stocks and growing demand for safe, organic, and traceable fish products. In this context, countries with favourable natural-climatic conditions and technological capacity can secure a niche in the global market through ecological production practices, certification, sustainable resource management, and institutional support. Methodology. The study employed a combination of general scientific, economic, and specialised research methods, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of Ukraine’s aquaculture export potential in the face of contemporary economic and environmental challenges. A systems approach was used to conceptualise aquaculture as a multifactorial subsystem of agricultural production, integrated into external trade dynamics and environmental policy. Statistical analysis involved the evaluation of export trends for fish products, the share of aquaculture in agricultural exports, and regional production indicators by farm type. A monographic method was applied for reviewing scientific literature on aquaculture development, international export practices, and implementation of certification standards (such as ASC, GLOBALG.A.P., etc.). Results. The findings indicate that Ukrainian aquaculture possesses significant untapped export potential, especially in freshwater fish and high value-added products. Trade dynamics show that, despite positive trends up to 2021, the full-scale war has sharply reduced exports due to logistical constraints, destruction of production facilities, and port blockades. Simultaneously, there has been a rise in domestic demand, prompting a temporary shift to internal markets, although this does not address the strategic underrealisation of export potential. The study proposes adaptive state support tools, including incentives for investment in sustainable aquaculture, compensation for war-related damages, and integration of Ukrainian products into international sales ecosystems aligned with ESG criteria. The results can serve as a foundation for developing a post-war recovery strategy and enhancing Ukraine’s aquaculture export capacity.

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