PRESENT PROSPECTS OF STURGEON AQUACULTURE
In the conditions of catastrophic decline in the number of natural populations of sturgeons in the Caspian basin, where more than 90% of the world's reserves are concentrated, sturgeon aquaculture is actively developing. The purpose of aquaculture is determined by two directions - artificial propagation for replenishing natural reserves and commercial sturgeon breeding to saturate world market with valuable products. The current status of these two directions of sturgeon aquaculture are considered, it is shown that for the successful development of sturgeon breeding it is necessary to form farmed broodstock under controlled conditions. It is proved that for the conservation of the biodiversity of natural populations, it is necessary to actively develop sturgeon aquaculture.