TEHRAN – Iran’s northern Mazandaran province is stepping up efforts to develop cage fish farming by removing production barriers, encouraging private-sector investment and strengthening the aquaculture value chain, a provincial fisheries official said.

 

Nima Hosseinzadeh, director general of Mazandaran Fisheries, said the expansion of cage aquaculture must proceed through a planned, gradual and sustainable approach, with fisheries authorities focusing on addressing the challenges facing producers within existing capacities and regulations.

 

Speaking at a specialized meeting in Noshahr attended by cage fish farmers and local fisheries officials, he identified market access and financing for production inputs as among the sector’s key challenges.

 

Hosseinzadeh called for closer cooperation between Mazandaran Fisheries, fish farmers and private-sector investors, stressing the need to support investment, organize production activities and pursue the establishment of a specialized industry association.

 

He said these measures could facilitate production, strengthen the value chain and create new economic opportunities, helping accelerate the growth of cage fish farming and further enhance Mazandaran’s position in Iran’s marine-based economy.