Azerbaijan prepares state program on development of fishing

Baku. 2 November. REPORT.AZ/ "Azerbaijan and other Caspian littoral states need to develop aquaculture and involve the public into a new kind of activity – mariculture. This will prevent the risk of depletion of biological resources in the Caspian Sea, as well as poaching and reduce illegal fishing and improve the ecological status of the sea," Mehman Akhundov, Director of the Scientific Research Fishing Institute of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, said at a press conference.

Report informs that, according to him, the production of fish products and their introduction to the market is spontaneous in Azerbaijan: "However, there are ways out. The Ministry has already started activities in this area. Currently, a state program is being prepared for the development of this sphere."

"It is possible to create highly - productive fishing industry for the development of mariculture in the Caspian regions, using the biotechnological experience of foreign countries " he added.

Akhundov stressed that sustainable development of aquaculture and mariculture can lead to opening of new jobs and alternative sources of income in rural areas of Azerbaijan, have a positive impact on the social situation of the country's population, health, and food security issues.