Ahvaz – The southern Khuzestan province, a leading aquaculture hub in Iran, has produced over 100,000 tons of aquatic products this year, according to the provincial fisheries chief.

 

Seyed Sharif Mousavi said some 17,000 hectares of farms and complexes were used for warm-water fish, sturgeon, shrimp, and ornamental species.

 

“Exports reached 55,000 tons worth $193 million, with the Chazzabeh and Shalamcheh border crossings reported as stable.”

 

Mousavi announced the start of construction on the "Karma" intensive recirculating aquaculture park – the first of its kind in the province, noting that the seven-hectare facility in Bavi County will house 43 sturgeon and carp farming units.

 

“In Hendijan County, several saltwater aquaculture projects are being developed, including an 11,111-hectare shrimp farming site. Mousavi also reaffirmed the target of producing 5,000 tons of caged marine fish off Khuzestan's coast, with 20 cages (2,000-ton capacity) to be deployed in the first phase with support from the National Endowment Organization,” the official said.