Commercial fish composition in the Anzali Wetland

Authors

Inland Waters Aquaculture Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education & Extension Organization (AREEO), Bandar Anzali, Iran

10.22092/ijfs.2025.134862

Abstract

In the beginning of the 13th century the catch amount from Anzali Wetland was about 7.5  thousand tons that Caspian Sea fishes such as Kutum, Pike-perch and Caspian roach constitutes a major part, while the native fish species such as carp, bream, and Northern pike were also observed. Anthropogenic parameters and high destruction of Anzali Wetland in the most parts caused a great decrease for its fisheries potential while there is no any clear data from its fish stock. In this study, stock assessment of economic fish in Anzali Wetland through direct census and weighing of fish whom sold in the local markets during 2023. Totally 22 species of fish was traded in the local markets which were caught from Anzali wetland.  The highest amount of catch was from Northern pike, Carp, Prussian carp and Tench with 42.6, 24.8, 22.1 and 5.9 tons respectively. As respect to abundance, Tench had the second rank among these species with 23.9%. Total amount of fish was estimated about 94 tons/year that was varied between 168 to 279 kg/day during different seasons. The most and the least caught were 8.3 and 4 kg/day/person in summer and autumn respectively. The fishing potential of Anzali lagoon is much less compared to before and the fishing activity is not economical. It is necessary to carry out the rehabilitation activities such as dredging of substrate, controlling of invasive plants, and protecting of fish breeding habitats together with CEPA programme on communication, education, participation and awareness of local people.
 

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences
Volume 25, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 173-179

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