Status of aquaculture health management in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Aquaculture development in Iran commenced in the early 1970's with technical assistance from the former Soviet Union for the artificial ropagation of sturgeon (Acipenseridae) fingerlings for restocking the Caspian Sea. Since then, the capacity to mass produce other species such Rutilus frisii kutum, Caspian trout (Salmo trutta caspius), bream (Abramis brama), pike-perch (Stizostedion lucioperca), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and four cyprinids species for restocking other suitable inland water bodies was rapidly acquired by the Iranian Fishery Organization (Shilat). Aquaculture has since expanded to culture of food fish in raceways (trout) and ponds (cyprinids). Other species such as Hamor and Barbus sharpeyi are also being targeted for future culture. Development projects on the farming of penaeid shrimp (Feneropeneaus semisulcatus and F. indicus) in the Persian Gulf region and along the southeastern area of the Caspian Sea are currently underway. Iran has also initiated projects to evaluate the feasibility of culturing Artemia cyst, grouper, pearl oyster, and aquatic plants. Also, for a sustainable aquaculture new species of fish and shrimp such as tilapia, sea bass and F. vannamei have been imported inside the country. Despite the rapid development of this industry during the recent years it is faced with several constraints including lack of modern technology, insufficient financial resources, and negative impact of environmental pollution and occurrence of devastating infectious diseases. Poor environmental conditions, inexperienced health managements and outbreaks by some devastating infectious diseases such as WSD, IHN, IPN and streptococcosis are the major constraints faced in Iran aquaculture causing considerable losses each year. Although both veterinary and fishery organizations approved some roles and legislations to improve health management criteria, there is a risk of exotic and economically important diseases that can be imported through the importation of eyed-egg, larvae, brood stock and ornamental species into the country. However, some viral diseases including IHN, IPN and WSD have become a part of endemic diseases in Iran aquaculture sector.