The draft resolution under discussion will amend the existing Regulations for Bioresource Reproduction approved by Government Resolution No. 654 dated August 25, 2008.

Viktor Zubkov had earlier issued instructions [to the fishery agency] to draft a resolution aimed at enforcing the Federal Law on Fishing and the Preservation of Water Bioresources amended this year.

"The draft presented here is of great practical importance for the sector," Zubkov said during the meeting. "It spells out a clear procedure for reproduction activity in the fisheries industry aimed at compensating for the damage done to water resources by economic activity, at boosting fish resources in water bodies country-wide and at improving their habitat," the official said.

The participants laid particular emphasis on privileges for authorised state fish-breeding companies. They will enjoy simplified access to water resources for their fish-breeding projects in addition to budget financing.

"Once adopted, the Federal Agency for Fishery-sponsored draft resolution will complete the package of legislation required by the federal law on fishing," Zubkov said. "It is also important that we adopt a law on aquaculture, which must be coordinated with the rules applicable under existing laws and with the experience of applying these rules," he added.

The departments concerned reached an agreement on the draft government resolution on the artificial reproduction of water bioresources as a result of this meeting.