"A comprehensive solution to the issue of the Volga River delta requires a systemic approach, and decisive and coordinated work of all federal and regional authorities in question," Viktor Zubkov said to open the meeting. "This work will have an impact on water supply to the public, the development of agriculture and fishery not only in the Astrakhan Region but also in adjacent regions," the first deputy prime minister added.

In order to find a timely solution to the most pressing issues, Viktor Zubkov instructed those in charge to consider increasing the financing for measures related to water management and protection and the fishery industry in 2011. The first deputy prime minister also emphasised the need to spend funds more effectively. "Funds are being allocated from the federal budget on a regular basis. But they are managed by different agencies, which has a negative effect on efficiency," the deputy prime minister said. "We need to think about how to coordinate these efforts. This could be accomplished under the federal targeted programme to develop Russia's water management system in the period from 2012 to 2020, which is currently under development," Zubkov said.