Aquafarm in the Village of Slyvyne
In the village of Slyvyne, located not far from Mykolaiv, farmer Mykhailo Stepanov has set up an aquafarm where he raises over 5,000 juvenile Australian crayfish and around 40 sturgeons. The idea for the farm came to him three years ago while relaxing at a bar, when he noticed how expensive crayfish were. The growing season runs from June to October, with the harvest taking place in October.
Australian crayfish on the farm reach market size in just six months, whereas river crayfish take six to seven years to grow. The water in the lake where the farm is located must warm up to 24–26°C for optimal growth. The crayfish diet is based on vitamin-enriched marine fish, particularly Baltic herring. Mykhailo explains:
'We trim their claws—one tooth each—so they don’t tear each other apart. We try to feed them precisely and on time so they don’t go hungry.' Mykhailo Stepanov
In addition to Australian crayfish, the farm also raises sturgeons, which are easier to manage since they don’t eat each other and look attractive. The farm also includes Kaluga sturgeon, a species that only produces roe after 20 years. Mykhailo Stepanov notes that his farm is developing as a hobby for personal consumption, allowing him not only to enjoy the fruits of his labor but also to supply himself with high-quality products.
An Innovative Approach to Aquaculture
Thus, the aquafarm in Slyvyne serves as an example of an innovative approach to seafood farming, blending personal passion with practical agricultural activity.
This project highlights not only the potential for agro-industrial development in Ukraine but also the opportunities for creating new jobs and improving local self-sufficiency. Innovative aquaculture methods could become a key element in boosting the local economy, aligning with current trends in the food industry.