Financial and economic indicators of the functioning of the fish farming organization in the Sverdlovsk region in the context of external challenges

The relevance of the study is due to the strategic role of fish farming in ensuring food security of the industrial region and its vulnerability during crises. The purpose of the study is a comprehensive assessment of the financial and economic indicators of the activities and the impact of crisis periods (covid restrictions 2020–2021 and foreign economic sanctions 2022 Russia 2024) on organizations in the field of fish farming in the Sverdlovsk region based on financial statements for 2020–2024. The analysis revealed contradictory trends in the development of the sub-sector. On the one hand, there is a positive dynamics in the number of organizations (+61,5%) and revenue (+75,5%), especially noticeable during the sanctions period, which indicates attempts at import substitution and expansion of the sector. On the other hand, the financial condition of small businesses (all 21 enterprises in the sample) has significantly worsened under the impact of external challenges. The profitability of operations is extremely low or negative, especially in 2023. Financial stability is declining, the autonomy ratio has fallen below the regulatory level (0,49 in 2024), and the dependence on borrowed capital (capitalization ratio of 0,74) and accounts payable (an increase of 5,2 times) has increased sharply. Liquidity problems persist, and working capital management (inventories, accounts receivable and accounts payable) remains ineffective, despite some improvement in turnover in 2024. Fish farming in the Sverdlovsk region demonstrates growth potential in the context of import substitution, but its development is constrained by serious financial risks, low profitability and inefficient resource management, aggravated by external challenges. Without systemic support measures and internal optimization, the long-term sustainability of the sub-sector remains in question. Specific recommendations are given, including strengthening state support (preferential lending, subsidies for feed and energy, development of logistics), stimulating cooperation between producers, introducing resource-saving technologies, optimizing working capital and diversifying sales to increase marginality.