TEHRAN – On Thursday, Iran’s tourism minister Ezzatollah Zarghami opened a fishery museum dedicated to sturgeon fish during his visit to Ashuradeh, which is the country’s sole island in the Caspian Sea.

The inauguration event was attended by a diverse audience, including local officials, marine biologists, and conservationists, marking a milestone in celebrating the nation’s rich aquatic heritage.

The sturgeon fishery museum stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the historical significance of the sturgeon, a species revered for its cultural and economic importance in the region.

Addressing the event, the minister underscored the significance of Ashuradeh Island as Iran's solitary island in the expansive Caspian Sea. He highlighted the island's unique ecosystem and its pivotal role in sustaining marine life, especially the sturgeon population, whose historical relevance to Iran's cultural tapestry is unparalleled.

The museum, adorned with captivating exhibits and interactive displays, offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the life cycle, habitat, and conservation efforts of the sturgeon fish. From informative panels detailing the sturgeon's migration patterns to engaging virtual simulations replicating underwater ecosystems, the museum promises an immersive learning experience for visitors of all ages.

A highlight of the inauguration was the unveiling of life-sized replicas of sturgeon fish. Furthermore, the museum serves as an educational hub, aiming to raise awareness about sustainable fishing practices and the pressing need to safeguard endangered species like the sturgeon.

Local residents expressed their enthusiasm and pride in witnessing the establishment of the sturgeon fishery museum. Many anticipate its role in fostering a deeper appreciation for Ashuradeh Island's ecological significance while bolstering tourism in the region.

The museum was established under a memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts and the Agricultural Services Specialized Holding Co., which is affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad.

Developing fishery tourism, preserving national resources, establishing national and international caviar trade centers, launching sturgeon breeding centers, and holding training courses and educational and recreational tours related to the caviar industry are among the goals that the memorandum pursues.

Ashuradeh is the name of an island on the Miankaleh peninsula, located 10 km west of Bandar Torkaman in Golestan Province. The tiny island and the wetlands that surround it provide a rich ecological harbor for numerous migratory birds.

The employees of the Iran Fisheries Organization constitute the main residents of the island, which has a surface area of about 320 hectares.

The Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) is a species of fish in the family Acipenseridae. It is found in the Caspian Sea and, to a lesser extent, the Black Sea and ascends certain rivers to spawn, mainly the Volga, Kura, Araks, and Ural Rivers.

AFM