On October 13, 2026, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Draft Law No. 12384, “On Stimulating the Economic Development of the Fisheries Sector,” in its entirety. The legislation establishes new conditions for attracting private investment in fish farming and the cultivation of other aquatic organisms. It covers the development of aquaculture in inland waters and mariculture, which involves farming aquatic organisms in marine environments. The bill received 275 votes in parliament.
One of the main changes is the introduction of open electronic auctions for investors seeking access to designated areas of water bodies. Successful bidders will be able to enter into investment agreements to establish and develop fish farming operations. The legislation also simplifies procedures for using water areas. For certain activities, investors will no longer need to formally allocate water-fund land plots or establish their boundaries on the ground, reducing administrative costs.
The new framework includes safeguards against excessive concentration of water resources under a single operator. It also provides for monitoring investment commitments, compliance with environmental requirements and continued public access to water bodies intended for general use. Each investment site will require a scientific and biological assessment to determine its suitability and appropriate conditions of use.
According to preliminary estimates by Ukraine's State Fisheries Agency, the new mechanisms could support the production of almost 14,000 additional tonnes of marketable fish annually. Investment is expected to create jobs, encourage processing activities and reduce Ukraine's dependence on imported fish products. For businesses, the legislation offers an opportunity to develop long-term aquaculture projects under more predictable conditions. However, as of October 16, the law was still undergoing formal processing following its adoption by parliament.
Original source: State Fisheries Agency of Ukraine, announcement published on the Government Portal, October 14, 2026.