Caspian Sea sprat (common kilka) harvest has begun in Iran’s northern provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran.
Iranian fishermen are using 73 vessels to harvest the species.
“A total of 23,000 tons of kilka were caught last year, showing an 11.54% decline compared with the year before,” Mokhtar Akhoundi, an official with Iran Fisheries Organization, was quoted as saying by Mehr News Agency.
Fishing companies in Mazandaran and Gilan provinces accounted for 80% and 20% of the yields respectively, Akhoundi said.
He noted that kilka harvest will peak in late July when this year’s production can be more accurately estimated.
“The lion’s share of our Caspian Sea kilka harvest in the country is delivered to seafood factories for converting it into fish powder,” Akhoundi said.