The other problem limiting production is the lack of tin for cans. Since the metal sheets are imported, the shortage of hard currency impedes regular supplies. Fish landed by small vessels is consumed fresh, salted or used for production of fishmeal. Most aquaculture production is sold fresh on local markets. Today, the bulk of kilka catch is frozen or canned and sold on the local market, while limited quantities are smoked, salted or pickled.
Fish plays an important role exclusively in the diet of the people living in the coastal area.
Over the five-year period ending in 1995, the per caput fish consumption declined from about 8 kg in 1991 to 1.3 kg in 1995. The Turkmenistan fishing industry has good prospects, as the fish resources of the Caspian Sea are underutilized. Skilled labour and low-cost fuel are available. There is a demand for frozen fish in Russia, and for canned fish in Turkmenistan and the neighbouring countries. Creating favourable investment conditions for the replacement of old fishing fleet and the renewal of the shore infrastructure would be essential for the development of the industry.