Iran's Fisheries Industry on the Brink of Collapse, Warns University of Tehran Expert

TEHRAN, Iran - Aug. 2, 2025 - PRLog -- Per capita fish consumption in Iran has dropped to less than one kilogram, reflecting a serious crisis in the country's aquaculture sector. Dr. Kamran Rezaei, a faculty member at the University of Tehran, has raised concerns over poor industry management, environmental damage, and export-driven policies that overlook local food needs.

In a recent interview with Titrsanat News, Dr. Rezaei explained that Iran's fish farming is mainly limited to trout, carp, sturgeon, and shrimp. This narrow focus, he argues, limits food diversity and reduces domestic consumption.

We are producing almost 300,000 tons of cage-farmed fish per year, but little of it reaches Iranian households, he said.

He criticized the reliance on imported fingerlings from countries such as Malaysia, which are used in cage farms in the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman. Dr. Rezaei described the system as being controlled by a network of importers and producers, restricting reforms and transparency in the industry.

According to him, most of these fish are exported to Gulf countries, despite being produced with government subsidies, low-interest loans, and at the expense of Iran's natural ecosystems.

He also warned about the declining population of native migratory fish like sturgeon and whitefish. Polluted estuaries and poor river conditions have disrupted their breeding cycles. Despite ongoing restocking programs, many juvenile fish do not survive after being released into polluted waters.

Dr. Rezaei criticized the lack of coordination between environmental, agricultural, and water management authorities, saying that overlapping responsibilities have made ecosystem conservation ineffective.

He proposed a collaborative protection effort for key rivers such as the Sefidrud. Cooperation between the Department of Environment, Fisheries Organization, and academic institutions is necessary to protect spawning grounds during the critical spring season.

Dr. Rezaei concluded by urging policymakers to redirect aquaculture priorities from export profits to ensuring food availability for the Iranian people, while preserving aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

Video Interview and Report by: Fatemeh Bagheri

Original Persian Report: https://titrsanat.ir/?p=13620

Source: Titrsanat News Agency (Tehran, Iran)

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