Tehran - Iran’s southern fisheries and aquaculture industry has continued to operate and maintain production levels despite ongoing regional tensions, demonstrating the sector’s resilience and strategic importance to national food security, the head of the Iran Fisheries Organization (IFO) said.

 

Hamzeh Rostampour said the performance of southern fishing fleets during a recent period of heightened instability highlighted the sector’s ability to withstand challenging conditions while sustaining economic activity.

 

He noted that the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are among the region’s most important marine ecosystems, supporting food security, employment, maritime trade, and economic development.

 

The fisheries sector, he added, plays a vital role in supplying protein to domestic markets while contributing to Iran’s non-oil exports.

 

According to Rostampour, fishermen in the country’s southern provinces harvested more than 36,000 metric tons of aquatic products during the period, while authorities issued 7,800 fishing permits, including 700 for offshore operations and 7,100 for coastal fishing activities.

 

He emphasized that the sector’s geographic diversity, relatively short production cycles, and lower dependence on imported inputs have enabled it to remain operational even under adverse conditions. Despite security threats, logistical challenges, and disruptions affecting some shrimp farms, cage-culture facilities, and fishing centers, production activities continued.

 

“The continuity of fisheries production under difficult circumstances underscores the sector’s crucial role in safeguarding food security and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities,” Rostampour said.