Tehran - Iran’s shrimp production reached nearly 62,500 tons last year, marking an all-time high and boosting producers' confidence in meeting the targets of the Seventh Progress Development Plan.

 

Mehrdad Mohammadi-Doost, Director General of the Shrimp and Brackish Water Aquatics Office at Iran’s Fisheries Organization, reported a 37% output increase for the year 1404.

 

“For the first time, the shrimp production record was broken with 62,500 tons,” he said, adding that achieving the Seventh Plan’s goal depends on securing financial and non-financial requirements.

 

Shrimp farming area is projected to expand from 17,672 hectares last year to 22,000 hectares this year, raising output to 91,000 tons; In addition, last year’s production included 450 tons of microalgae, 47.5 tons of Artemia cyst and biomass, and 510,000 oyster spat. These are expected to reach 882.8 tons, 120 tons, and 2 tons, respectively, by 1405, the official said.

 

Mohammadi-Doost also expressed hope for a 50% rise in marine cage aquaculture and offshore projects this year if funding and juvenile fish supplies are secured.