Fisheries

In general, fishery in Iran is a state-controlled industry although people living along the coasts and inland rivers are allowed to fish for their consumption. But, fishing for commercial purposes must be carried out with the permission and under the supervision of Iran Shilat (fishery) Co., a public sector organisation. The major sources of fish in Iran are the inland rivers and lakes, the Caspian Sea in the north (famous for its sturgeons and caviar) and particularly the Persian Gulf and the Sea of oman in the south. The Persian Gulf sea food is of the highest quality worldwide, specially its shrimps, lobsters, crayfish, oysters, varieties of mackerel and its uncontested tuna fish. The southern waters account for over 80% of Iran's total fishery production, 300-350,000 tons annually.
The Iranian government encourages wise and controlled fishing in all these waters and offers great assistance to those wishing to invest and become involved in fish breeding.