"Nizhnekamskneftekhim" released a million sterlet fry into the Kama River.

      A million young sturgeons were sent today into the waters of the Kama. The ecological project of "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" has reached a significant milestone — since the start of the program, a million fry of the red-listed fish have already been released into the river. Another large-scale action to restore aquatic bioresources took place in the protected area on the shore near the village of Krasny Klyuch. How industry and ecology are becoming part of a unified sustainable development strategy — in our report.

      On the shore of the Kama, there is a special atmosphere. Classical music is playing, families of "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" employees, ecologists, and residents have gathered. 200,000 raised fry of sturgeon are embarking on their first big journey. Among them is the symbolic millionth resident of the Kama — this is an important milestone in the ecological program to restore the population of red-listed fish, which SIBUR has been implementing in "Nizhnekamsk" since 2022. "SIBUR has done well — they chose the right ideal place for its release, they chose the time when to release it," noted Mikhail Gorshkov, advisor to the Tatar branch of the "All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography."

      Sturgeon is considered one of the main indicators of the state of the river ecosystem. Its return to the Kama is seen by specialists as an important ecological signal. "According to our observations, there is now a positive trend — sturgeon is appearing in the river. Accordingly, if sturgeon has appeared in the river, it means the river has become cleaner," noted Ruslan Khamzin, a state inspector of the Federal Agency for Fisheries.

      Sturgeon is extremely sensitive to external influences. Even a brief contact with a human can be a serious stress for it. It is no coincidence that classical music is playing on the shore. Specialists note: sturgeon poorly tolerates sharp sounds, and a calm atmosphere helps the fry adapt more easily to their new environment. Passengers of the tourist boat also witnessed the ecological action. "Wonderful! Well done, let's do more. The more fish, the better for everyone," said tourist Lyudmila Nikitina from Moscow.

      The fry were brought to Nizhnekamsk from a fish farming facility in the Kostroma region. They are raised there under strict control. "The journey lasted about 15 hours, we stop every two hours to check the fish, oxygen, and water temperature. A fry is a fry, you have to be careful with it," said driver Gennady Baranov. For "Nizhnekamskneftekhim," ecological projects are part of a systematic effort to preserve biodiversity and reduce environmental impact. "Today's event is a systematic effort overall and for the industrial sector of the SIBUR group. This program includes technical measures. We will soon open modernized biological treatment facilities — the main infrastructure for the city's well-being," noted Marat Falyakhov, General Director of PJSC "Nizhnekamskneftekhim."

      Participants in the ecological action included public activists and students from the Children's Ecological and Biological Center. "The younger generation is very happy that our city, our Kama is being enriched with various living organisms — this is very cool, great!" said Nizhnekamsk resident Amina Ramazanova. "A good investment in our future, the health of our children, our nature," said Nizhnekamsk resident Venera Khisamieva.

      Interactive sites and an ecological quest "Guardians of the Kama" were organized for guests. "Thanks to the support of our backbone enterprises and in particular the company SIBUR, there is a very large ecological agenda in Nizhnekamsk. This includes fish stocking, tree planting, and ecological education of our younger generation. As you can see, a large number of children came today, specifically with their parents. This is very important," noted Nizhnekamsk Mayor Radmir Belyaev.

      The millionth fry of sturgeon released today into the Kama has become a symbol of significant systematic work and a reminder that the future of the river depends on the decisions made today.