Golestan – For the first time ever, the Qarah Burun sturgeon (Persian sturgeon) has been successfully bred at the Shahid Marjani Center for the Restoration and Conservation of Sturgeon Genetic Resources in the northern Golestan province, an official announced.

 

Esmaeil Jabbari, Director General of Fisheries in Golestan province, made the announcement during a visit to the center.

 

"The successful reproduction of Qarah Burun sturgeon broodstock has been achieved for the first time in this province — a pivotal moment in our restoration programs for the valuable Caspian stocks," he said.

 

Jabbari noted that the breeding operation was carried out in three stages with the participation of the private sector.

 

He identified proper broodstock nutrition as the most critical factor behind the success.

 

"The use of live Artemia feed combined with a formulated diet at an optimal feed conversion ratio has dramatically increased larval survival rates and minimized mortality," the official explained.

 

He added that 36 broodstock were delivered to the center by local fishermen this year. "For the first time, wild broodstock were fed a formulated diet — a step that will allow these fish to be reused for breeding in future years," Jabbari said.