Fishing Industry of Kalmykia: 1926–1932

Abstract

Introduction. The article analyzes the development of Kalmykia’s fishing industry between 1926 and 1932. Goals. The paper seeks to review the formation and development processes within the regional fishing industry during the NEP era, providing insight into local peculiarities thereof to be traced through documented collectivization and industrialization activities among seminomadic Kalmyks in the Lower Volga and Northern Caspian. Materials and Methods. The work employs a number of historical research methods, such as chronological and problem-chronological ones that made it possible to shed light on the topic mentioned above. The study involves quite diverse sources, namely: materials mentioning the development of fishing industry in the territory of Kalmyk Autonomous Oblast (including unrelated scholarly papers), administrative files and reports from different archives, field observations, etc. The main criteria the research rests on are accuracy and objectiveness. Results and Conclusions. The conducted analysis reveals certain practices and business models adopted during the shaping and infrastructure development of the autonomy, clarifies mechanisms and results of interaction between the central Government and regional authorities exercised throughout the process. The paper also illustrates all the stages passed and challenges faced by the newly reestablished ethnic region and its executives to create a sustainable fishing industry for further prosperity of the territory and its population.