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Review article: Present and Future Market Trends of Ornamental Fish in Iran: Challenges in Production, Supply, and Environmental Sustainability
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A.R. Khiabani *   , K. Razmi |
| Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Applied Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (30 Views) |
The international trade in ornamental aquatic animals is shaped by multiple interconnected factors, including ecological, economic, political, regulatory, and socio-cultural dimensions. Although Iran imports and exports over 250 ornamental fish species, the industry continues to face substantial challenges in realizing its full potential. The aquarium trade has undergone significant expansion and diversification in recent years. However, the absence of standardized data collection protocols has led to a lack of comprehensive information on species volume and diversity, limiting the ability to analyze trade flows. Iran’s ornamental fish production has expanded considerably, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 8.96%, increasing from 147.9 million pieces in 2012 to 380.1 million in 2023. Despite this growth, export values have declined sharply in recent years, largely due to intensified banking and trade sanctions that have heightened investment risks. In 2016, Iran’s ornamental fish exports peaked at $2.42 million, with a volume of 388,088 kg distributed across eight countries. By 2023, however, export values had contracted to approximately $0.76 million—a decline of nearly 68.5% over seven years. Addressing key barriers in Iran’s ornamental aquaculture industry, particularly sanctions, could unlock opportunities for economic growth and job creation, strengthening Iran’s role as a major ornamental fish producer in the Middle East. Conversely, failure to address these challenges may result in declining production, exports, and employment.
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| Keywords: Blue economy, Sustainability of ornamental fisheries, International trade of ornamental aquatic animals, Ornamental aquaculture. |
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Full-Text [PDF 654 kb]
(14 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/09/30 | Accepted: 2025/09/1 | Published: 2025/09/1
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