13 October 2026, 15:22
Today, 13 October 2026, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted at second reading upon repeat consideration and as a whole as a Law the finalized draft Law of Ukraine "On Stimulating the Economic Development of the Fisheries Sector" (No. 12384).
The adopted Law is of strategic importance for the development of Ukrainian fisheries. Its key objective is to create modern, transparent, and attractive conditions for investment in a sector with high potential.
First and foremost, the Law will establish a new investment model for the development of the fisheries sector. It provides for the possibility of attracting private capital to develop aquaculture and commercial fish farming in designated areas of water bodies. This will enable a more efficient use of the natural potential of domestic water bodies, an increase in fish production, and the creation of new jobs.
The second important element is a transparent mechanism for access to resources through electronic auctions. It is competitive procedures that ensure openness, equal opportunities for business, and minimize corruption risks. An investor receives the right to conclude an investment contract solely based on the results of an open auction.
The Law also establishes clear anti-monopoly safeguards. Provision is made for a restriction on the concentration of water body use — no more than a specified share of its area in a single hand. This guarantees the preservation of competition and prevents the monopolization of the resource.
Importantly, the document creates long-term conditions for investment. Investors gain the opportunity to plan their activities years ahead, which is critical for the development of aquaculture, as such projects require significant initial investments and time to achieve a return on investment.
The Law contains important safeguards to protect public interests, guaranteeing free public access to general-use water bodies and stricter control over the ecological state of water bodies.
The implementation of this Law will revitalize the development of aquaculture, increase fish production in Ukraine, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance the food security of the state. At the same time, the development of the sector will stimulate economic activity in coastal and rural communities.
Thus, the Law creates a comprehensive instrument for modernizing the sector, attracting investments, and fostering a competitive and transparent market in the fisheries sector.