Iran aims to breed 500m ornamental fishes annually
By Sadeq Dehqan
Staff writer
Despite its relatively short history, Iran’s ornamental fish breeding sector has experienced notable strides, transforming into a lucrative and expanding industry.
Capitalizing on Iran’s conducive capabilities for ornamental fish breeding and the establishment of numerous breeding centers, the nation’s annual production of these exquisite fish has surged from a modest 2.3 million specimens to an impressive 323 million over the past decade.
In tandem with production, the export of ornamental fish has witnessed a similar trajectory, although subject to fluctuations attributed to various factors. Over past years, the export of these captivating aquatic creatures have oscillated due to a range of causes, leading to a variance in earnings from $150,000 to approximately $3 million.
In 2017, the export value reached $2.8 million, sustaining this positive trajectory until an unfortunate setback precipitated by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Mohammad Hassan Elahi, the head of the Iran Fisheries Organization’s ornamental fish department has told Iran Daily that in recent times, the export of ornamental fish has once again regained its prior growth momentum. He expressed optimism regarding the forthcoming years, anticipating a favorable uptick in ornamental fish exports.
Iran’s ornamental fish predominantly find their way to neighboring countries, encompassing Arab nations along the Persian Gulf, Central Asian countries including Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, as well as neighboring territories such as Turkey, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Noteworthy for their aesthetic allure and superior quality, Iran’s ornamental fish also enjoy a market in Western and European countries, with a portion of Iran’s exports being re-routed through other nations.
Elahi believes, despite the spike in exports, there remains a perceptible gap from the desired pinnacle. He says exporting ornamental fish to distant locales should be done by air which needs specialized equipment, yet the requisite infrastructure for air exports remains wanting. Consequently, Iran’s neighboring countries continue to serve as the primary destination for its ornamental fish trade.
The IFO and the Agricultural Parks Company are now working together to boost both production and quality of ornamental fish breeding. This endeavor involves the establishment of ornamental fish farming parks across the nation. At present, the country hosts a total of 1,635 ornamental fish farms, with a dedicated workforce of more than 12,000 individuals engaged in these breeding centers.
Elaborating further, Elahi underscores Iran’s preeminence as a key player in ornamental fish production and breeding within the Middle East. As part of a strategic vision, there is a concerted ambition to increase annual ornamental fish production to a remarkable 500 million fish within the next five years.
Currently, a diverse spectrum of 115 ornamental fish species is cultivated in Iran, mainly comprising imported species that have been acclimatized and cultivated over previous years. Elahi elucidates that the routine entails the annual propagation of five to seven imported ornamental fish species within the country’s breeding centers.
Globally, the ornamental fish industry commands an estimated market turnover of around $30 million. This sector is witnessing growth in congruence with the expanding urbanization worldwide, coupled with a growing inclination to incorporate elements of nature and wildlife into apartment living environments.
Elahi expounds on Iran’s competitive advantages in the realm of ornamental fish breeding. He says the nation’s lower water, electricity, and gas costs, relative to many other countries, position Iran favorably to provide facilities conducive to ornamental fish breeding.
The ornamental fish industry encompasses a comprehensive ecosystem of both large and small-scale farms, aquatic plant cultivation, workshops dedicated to aquarium tools and accessories production, as well as ornamental fish maintenance services. This industry, in addition to its economic benefits, holds significant potential for generating ample employment opportunities. Simultaneously, the relatively modest capital requirements for establishing ornamental fish production centers render this business particularly suitable for home-based enterprises, including women who manage households.