Tehran - Iran has launched the world’s second largest Artemia cyst bank, following Ghent University in Belgium, according to the head of the National Artemia Research Center.

 

The center has created both a live gene bank for Artemia urmiana and a cyst bank containing samples from 52 global populations, said Ali Nekouei-Fard.

 

He added the initiative aims to protect the unique Artemia species of Lake Urmia, support genetic conservation, and promote advanced aquaculture technologies as part of Iran’s lake restoration and fisheries development efforts.

 

Artemia, Nekouei-Fard noted, is the main food for aquatic larvae, particularly shrimp, and has no effective substitute. Global demand exceeds 5,000 tons annually, with over 90% harvested naturally in countries such as China, Russia, and the United States.

 

Under Iran’s Seventh Development Plan, expanding Artemia farming has become a national priority to strengthen food security and aquaculture production. Research projects in Yazd, Isfahan, and West Azarbaijan are exploring the use of non-traditional water resources for fish farming to conserve freshwater and ensure sustainable growth.

 

The center has also developed algal-based nutrients and natural compounds that enhance product quality and export potential. Nekouei-Fard added that recent interventions in cold-water fish breeding prevented the bankruptcy of three trout hatcheries in West Azerbaijan affected by viral outbreaks.