Modern trends in the development of the labour market in the fisheries sector in Ukraine

The article presents a comprehensive study of modern trends in the development of the labour market in Ukraine's fisheries sector under complex socio-economic conditions, demographic decline, and armed conflict in the east of the country.The key features of the functioning of the fisheries industry, which remains an important component of the agricultural sector by ensuring food security, preserving biodiversity, and supporting employment in coastal regions, are outlined.The authors have analysed the main problems hindering the development of the labour market in this sector, highlighting acute staff shortages, workforce ageing, the seasonal nature of employment, low wage levels, an imperfect vocational training system, and limited access to investment resources.Particular attention is paid to the impact of military actions on the functioning of the sector, manifested in the relocation of fishery enterprises, a reduction in fishing volumes, the deterioration of working conditions, and rising unemployment in frontline and temporarily occupied regions.The article also highlights changes in the employment structure, the transformation of the labour market under crisis conditions, and the necessity of adapting the workforce to new realities.Based on the conducted analysis, promising directions for the modernisation of the fisheries labour market are identified, including the active development of aquaculture as a more sustainable and environmentally safe form of management, the implementation of modern automated technologies and digital solutions, the formation of new professional competencies for industry workers, the activation of dual education, the deepening of cooperation between businesses and educational institutions, and the popularisation of career guidance programmes among young people.The article separately substantiates the expediency of integrating European standards into the fisheries sector, strengthening environmental control over the harvesting of aquatic bioresources, and developing effective social protection programmes for industry workers under martial law conditions.A set of measures is proposed aimed at stabilising the staffing situation, preserving labour potential, and ensuring the sustainable development of the labour market in Ukraine's fisheries sector amid economic turbulence and uncertainty.