Photo: Illustrative by FIS

The Future of Iranian Aquaculture

IRAN
Wednesday, October 02, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Shrimp Exports Surpass $31.3 Million in Five Months

Iran's aquaculture sector is on an upward trajectory, with significant growth in shrimp exports and other fishery products. According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA), the country exported 68,000 tons of fishery products valued at $138 million in the first five months of this year, marking a 24% increase in value and a 32% rise in volume compared to the same period last year. Notably, shrimp exports alone exceeded $31.3 million.

Abbas Mokhtari, Director General of the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture's Office of Quality Improvement, Processing, and Aquatic Market, reported a 40% increase in fishery exports by weight in the first quarter of this year, underscoring the sector's robust growth. Iran's shrimp exports, particularly to key markets like Russia, the UAE, and China, accounted for 32% of the country's total fishery export value.

Despite facing a 26% drop in the value of shrimp exports last year, Iran's total fishery exports have remained resilient, with a 12% increase in volume. Fisheries now make up nearly 70% of Iran's total exports, and the country has increasingly diversified its markets, with the UAE, China, Russia, and Iraq as major destinations for Iranian seafood.

Iran has also been importing fishery products, with imports rising by 121% in weight and 113% in value over the past year. This dynamic highlights both the growing domestic demand for seafood and the nation’s evolving role in the global aquaculture market.

The focus on aquaculture

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recognizes Iran's significant contributions to the fishing and aquaculture industries in the region, positioning the country as a model for sustainable practices. Iran’s aquaculture industry is further bolstered by the involvement of young specialists and knowledge-based activities, which have helped mitigate the effects of international sanctions.

Looking ahead, Iran's aquaculture production is set to expand. Ghobad Mokarami, Head of Shrimp and Marine Aquatic Affairs at Iran Fisheries Organization (IFO), expects fishery production to reach 206,000 tons within the next two years. The country's strategy includes doubling the number of breeding pools and establishing large-scale shrimp farming facilities. For example, 12 leading companies and stakeholders have joined forces to create a value chain for caged fish farming in the Caspian Sea, aiming to produce 1,500 tons of fish annually.

Technological innovation is also driving the industry forward. Projects such as the development of nanobubble generators, which improve oxygen supply and wastewater purification in fish farming ponds, are enhancing efficiency and sustainability. This technology increases fish population density by up to three times and cuts electricity consumption by 70%, improving the environmental and economic impact of Iranian aquaculture.

Iran's aquaculture sector is thus poised for continued growth, both in terms of production and exports, as the country leverages advanced technology and knowledge-based strategies to become a global leader in sustainable seafood production.

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