Zanjan - The Director of Fisheries and Aquatic Affairs at Zanjan Agricultural Organization highlighted Mahneshan County’s strategic role in national food security, announcing that the region has become northwestern Iran’s leading aquaculture center.

“With 683 active, high-performing farms and annual production exceeding 13,000 metric tons of fish, Mahneshan is now recognized as the unrivaled powerhouse of aquaculture in western Iran,” said Mehridokht Mortazavi.

 

She underscored a policy shift from traditional fish farming toward knowledge-based, technology-driven production.

 

“Our priority is to achieve a qualitative leap in output. To that end, we are implementing three core strategies, foremost among them technological advancement. The deployment of advanced nano-bubble systems and oxygen enrichment equipment provides an effective response to water scarcity and has markedly improved production efficiency.”

 

The official also outlined a development roadmap aimed at reducing raw-product sales and retaining more value within the region.

 

“It is time for the true economic benefits of Mahneshan’s producers to remain locally,” Mortazavi said. “Accordingly, a dedicated support package has been prepared for investors entering fish processing, modern packaging, filleting, and brand development.”

 

Pointing to expanding export prospects, she added that the long-term objective is to position Mahneshan’s fish products in international markets. “We seek to establish the Mahneshan fish brand in line with global standards and secure its presence in target markets, particularly Russia and neighboring countries. Our broader vision is to transform Mahneshan into a national specialized center and export hub for aquatic products, completing the value chain from farm to international markets.”