CEP/Grants Projects

Project Title :

Artificial Spawning of Rutilus Kutum

This is a component of the Caspian Environment Programme

See Also MSGP Projects in Iran

Organisation :

Iranian Fisheries Research Organization of Caspian Sea

Partner(s) :

Scientific Consultation Service - CEP

Region :

Caspian (Countries: Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, Turkmenistan).

The project bureau is located in Rasht/Anzali, the Caspian region of Iran

Project Number :

MSGP-IR05-04

Duration :

one year starting August 2005

Financing (US$) :

Total Budget:97,300, CEP Grant:43,650, Matching Fund by Fisheris Org:23,900

Status :

on going / under implementation

URL :

Project Document

http://www.caspianenvironment.org

http://cep.blogfa.com/

Description :

Artificial spawning of Rutilus frisii kutum (Kamenskii, 1901) autumn form

MSGP-IR05-04

Project Summary: Kutum is an exclusive and mono-type fish species inhabit in southern Caspian sea, its harvest range is between 8000-9000 tons annually, Second in rank after Kilka fishery in Iran. Kutum capture fishery grown well by restocking hatchery based fingerlings which are produced from spring form stock. Autumn form Kutum which was abundant in past years now diminished drastically. The endangering autumn for need rehabilitation procedures for enhancement, rare remaining tiny population should be captured in wild for hatchery production in a sea-ranching programmer. If this practice are performed autumn form Kutum will be restored at the same time its fishery will improve and the most needed economical relieve for fishermen strata will be achieved.

Background and problem statement: Kutum is an exclusive and mono - type fish species inhabit in Southern Caspian Sea, its harvest range is between 8000-9000 tons in a year, nearly 60% of the income of Bony fish fishery produced by kutum fishery. The stock of this species reduced drastically in 1982 and the catch slumped to the less than 1000 tons in a year. Kutum spawning grounds deterioration, illegal catch, lack of restocking program was the main cause of the decline. As has been known, kutum formed by two type of population, autumn and spring strain. The autumn form as phytophilous fish enter in southern inflowing rivers of Caspian during November till March, while spring form as lithophilous run at the beginning of March until late May. The autumn form kutum stay in rivers until reaching sexual maturity, but environment degradation of spawning ground diminished its population, drastically. Therefore, the conservation of autumn form became a necessity. By its sea-ranching not only its population would be preserved it may also improve its fishery. It is worth to be mentioned, by the effect of Caspian Sea Bony fishes Research Center’s experts in 1983, artificial spawning and releasing the fries to the sea were commenced and the catch steadily improved. But all activities concerning restocking of kutum concentrated in spring form, as at present about 150 million its fries are released into sea for restocking, therefore, and emergency research planning are needed to rehabilitate the autumn form too. Achieving a well bio-normative for artificial spawning of autumn form a action plan not only help Iranian state fishery it is also possibly contribute neighboring Caspian states.

Goal and objective: Hatchery production of autumn strain of kutum for conservation and the protection of different races of this fish species recover genetic resources of kutum stock in Caspian sea, also contribute to the enhancement of fish production including improve fishery economy in the region.

Lessons Learned :

TYPE LESSONS HERE

Contact :

Project Manager: Mr. Alireza Valipour

or Melina Seyfollahzadeh, Grants and Public Participation Manager