In mid-January 2026, three plots in the Arbat Bay (each 7.5–7.6 hectares) were sold at auctions for 84,000–85,000 rubles each. However, to start operations, the new owner is required to obtain a positive conclusion from the state environmental review (SER) of Rosprirodnadzor. It is estimated that the costs for collecting documents and passing all procedures reach 10 million rubles per plot. Such a discrepancy makes investments in mariculture economically unfeasible, as work is prohibited without the SER conclusion. Meanwhile, in freshwater aquaculture, there is no similar requirement, which creates an imbalance in regulation. Therefore, for the real development of the industry, optimization of administrative requirements is necessary. Removing excessive barriers will not only enable the utilization of already allocated plots but also give an impetus for the growth of marine aquaculture in the Azov Sea and other waters of Russia.