While it epitomises determination and resilience, the industry is in an increasingly precarious position due to the ongoing conflict

One year ago, Russian troops crossed the Ukrainian border, triggering the bloodiest conflict the European continent has seen since the Second World War. Since then, Ukrainian fish farmers have sustained tremendous losses, and since the hostilities show no signs of letting up, it’s possible the worst is still yet to come.

Heavy fighting against the Russian troops, martial law, regular shelling, power outages, mass immigration and mobilisation put immense pressure on Ukrainian fish farming businesses in 2022. According to research released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in January 2023, the combined damages and losses that the aquaculture sector suffered last year stood at $21.6 million, equal to 63% of its annual gross value of sales.