Impact of COVID-19 on fisheries and aquaculture in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

COVID-19 has been a major global challenge with multi-dimensional impacts beyond health and well-being. Agricultural food chains have been impacted globally and fisheries and aquaculture value chains are not an exception. This study was undertaken to determine the immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on fisheries and aquaculture in Kyrgyzstan and the coping strategies of stakeholders across the value chain to facilitate necessary transition mechanisms for ensuring sector stability and resilience. Results show that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in closure of operations and a transition to digital and remote work. Furthermore, there were disruptions in logistics and supply chains due to restriction of movement and border closures. This has led to a loss of livelihoods and employment, loss and lowering of incomes, increased fish prices, loss of access to markets, disruption in access to fish seed and feed supply, lowering of food safety and quality standards in fish, interruptions in monitoring of fisheries and aquaculture activities and disruptions to fisheries and aquaculture education. The situation called for innovative and creative solutions to build and prevail over the adversity, including using new digital platforms to reach consumers and students. In addition, cooperation between all the stakeholders across the value chain is necessary to address the future vision and development of the Kyrgyz fisheries and aquaculture sector.