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Vasily Krasnobododko (on the right) has built several dozens RAS worldwide. photos: SIA AKVA AGRO

BLAZING A NEW TRAIL

IN THE BALTICS

Latvian entrepreneur’s journey with sturgeon RAS in the Baltic region
December 6, 2024
By Vladislav Vorotnikov
A thorny path
While recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) Strictly speaking, however, Krasnoborodko was far
facilities are still a rarity in the Baltic region, the from being a man from the street. By then, he had
exceptional journey of SIA Akva Agro, a sturgeon likely already acquired more experience in RAS
farm in Salaspils, not far from Riga, stands as a technology than anyone else in Latvia could boast
beacon of potential in this corner of Europe. of. He was engaged in over 20 RAS projects in
The history behind SIA Akva Agro is rather unique, different countries, some of which were state-of-
recalls Vasiliy Krasnoborodko, a SIA Akva Agro the-art facilities.
minor shareholder. Having built several RAS farms Krasnoborodko’s portfolio involves projects on
in other countries, Krasnoborodko embarked on opposite sides of the globe, implemented in
the ambitious journey of launching his own project. extreme weather conditions, such as hot tropics or
His quest led him to the main financial street of Old harsh frosts of the Polar Circle.
Riga, where he sought investments and equity Advertisement
participation for his future fish farm, instead of a “I built a RAS farm in Thailand to grow sturgeons,
traditional loan. where it is always summer and hot for sturgeons.
Despite repeated rejections, Krasnoborodko’s Sturgeons do not like temperatures above +25 C,
unwavering determination eventually led to a and it is usually hotter in Thailand,” Krasnoborodko
fortuitous encounter in a bank, where he met a unveiled.
well-known Latvian entrepreneur who shared his Even more peculiar was a project in the Yamal
vision. Peninsula — the Russian part of the Arctic caught in
“That’s how a man from the street came to the bank permafrost. Keeping the farm running in such
and left with a partner and an investor,” conditions is associated with some outstanding
Krasnoborodko said. challenges.
Advertisement “In Salekhard (a Russian city in the Arctic),
The partners found a site near Salaspils and everything underground is frozen and turned into
secured support from European funds to construct ice 100 metres down. It is impossible to drill a well
a sturgeon farm for growing sturgeon for black or a borehole. The water in the well would freeze
caviar. immediately,” Krasnoborodko stated.
“I designed everything myself,” Krasnoborodko All the water in that farm was brought from the
claimed. “I also supervised the construction and outside. The owner even had to buy a 20 m3 water
participated in the equipment installation.” truck to ensure uninterrupted water supply to his
farm. Caviar Guide | Special Edition 200