Ali Darvishi, on the sidelines of the release of one million two hundred thousand fish fry into the Chaland River in Astara, stated in an interview with Mehrnews: “This action is an effective step towards restoring aquatic resources and supporting the livelihoods of local fishermen.”

He pointed out that illegal and excessive fishing has led to the destruction of environmental assets, adding: “With the efforts of the head of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Fisheries Department, today we witnessed the release of one million two hundred thousand fish fry, each weighing an average of one gram, which were bred and raised at the Shahid Ansari workshop in Rasht and transported to this area using trucks carrying water tanks. This is a significant measure for the restoration of natural fish stocks.”

The governor of Astara highlighted the natural capacities of the county in the fisheries sector, stating: “The release of white fish fry into the rivers of the county not only strengthens the cycle of natural production and reproduction but also contributes to environmental sustainability and increases catch productivity in the coming years.”

He added: “Collaboration among executive agencies, environmental protection, and fisheries is essential for the continuity of this initiative, and plans are in place to continue releasing fish fry into other rivers in the county. In this regard, the same number of fish fry will also be released into the border river Astara Chai in the coming days to gradually restore the natural capacity of the rivers, which has diminished in recent years.”

Darvishi emphasized that the protection of rivers and the prevention of pollution and illegal harvesting must be taken seriously, stating: “The participation of the public and fishermen in the conservation of water resources plays a decisive role in the success of fish breeding and stock restoration projects.”

He noted: “Astara, with its abundant rivers and suitable shores, is one of the important areas for the production and catch of white fish in Gilan province, and the implementation of supportive initiatives can strengthen the county’s position in this field.”