Iran Achieves Technical Breakthrough in Asian Sea Bass Reproduction
WANA (Nov 19) – Iranian scientists have successfully developed the technical know-how for breeding Asian sea bass using a hormone-based implant, marking a significant step toward expanding the country’s marine aquaculture capabilities.
The research project, titled “Use of GnRH and Hormonal Implants in the Biotech Reproduction of Asian Sea Bass (Lates calcarifer)”, was conducted by Behrooz Heydari, a faculty member at the University of Gilan, with support from the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF).
Heydari explained that global food demand is rising rapidly, leading to excessive exploitation of fish stocks worldwide. He noted that challenges such as climate change, freshwater scarcity, and the growing need for nutrient-rich food make it increasingly logical for governments and private-sector stakeholders to shift toward aquaculture in brackish or non-traditional marine waters in the coming years.
Iran, he added, benefits from 6,711 kilometers of coastline, including its islands, giving it exceptional potential for developing marine aquaculture. However, the sector continues to face hurdles, including limited access to suitable species that are fast-growing, marketable, and adaptable to the country’s climatic and environmental conditions.
According to Heydari, this project marks the first time that both GnRH hormone and a liquid GnRH-based hormonal implant, synthesized by an Iranian knowledge-based company, have been used to induce ovulation and spawning in Asian sea bass.
Speaking to INSF, he outlined the project’s goals, which included developing domestic expertise for reproducing Asian sea bass using hormonal implants; introducing GnRH-based pharmaceutical products to the marine hatchery sector; ending reliance on imported larvae of marine species; creating new jobs in larval breeding and hatchery operations; preventing capital outflow; and increasing foreign exchange earnings through higher fish exports. Heydari said all these objectives have now been successfully achieved.
Iran Achieves Technical Breakthrough in Asian Sea Bass Reproduction. Social media/ WANA News Agency
