Tehran – Iran’s International Sturgeon Research Institute has developed over 30 indigenous fish feed formulas and achieved self-sufficiency in key technologies for sturgeon breeding and caviar production, according to the institute’s head.

 

Ali-Naghi Sarpanah said Iran can now harvest caviar without killing the fish, shorten production cycles, and fully control reproduction and feeding using a domestically synthesized LHRH hormone.

 

The institute, based in Rasht, ranks among the top four global centers for sturgeon research, alongside those in the U.S., China, and Russia.

 

Sarpanah noted that around 300 farms in 22 provinces currently produce 10,000 tons of sturgeon meat and 20 tons of caviar annually.

 

He added that five native species - along with Siberian and sterlet sturgeons - are being successfully cultivated, with beluga and Siberian sturgeon particularly favored for their growth and disease resistance.