Makhachkala, August 20, 2014. The Russian federal fisheries agency and the Russian ministry of agriculture consider expanding the food ban as far as canned fish and processed fish products from Europe, USA, Norway and Canada. In this case, Daghestan trout has a chance to become the republic’s hallmark, the federal fisheries agency’s West Caspian territorial control informs.

They expect that the sanctions won’t affect the smolt (young fish) as it is no food; besides, Russian salmon farms depend on smolt and feed supplied by Norway. So, a chance may appear for Daghestan to show itself as a leading fishing region, thinks acting head of the West Caspian territorial control Magomedsultan Aliyev. He is confident that Daghestan will be able to fully provide the country with a few types of fish resources.

"Sturgeon used to be Daghestan’s hallmark, now it’s time for the whole country to know and appreciate Daghestani trout. Moreover, big investors willing to invest in the fishing industry are ready to come to Daghestan. The sanctions are sure to give a push to the project "100 Dagestan’s ponds" already kickstarted on Sulak River. They may also help increase state orders for the plants producing fingerlings and fish," Aliyev commented.