May 23, 2005

Iran's seafood output to reach 760,000 tonnes by 2010

Iran's seafood production is set to reach 760,000 tonnes by end 2009, Head of Iran's Fisheries Organisation, Lotfollah Saeedi, said. This compares with 440,000 tonnes/year in 2003 and 32,000 tonnes/year in 1979.

Per capita seafood consumption has risen to 6.1kg in 2003 from 1kg in 1979. By end-2009, this is expected to reach 10kg, said Saeedi.

Caviar remains Iran's most prized export, and Iran has captured nearly 60 percent of the exportable caviar in Caspian region.