Short Communication:Evaluation of Sturgeon's exploitation management in the Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea (1927-2014)

Despite the exploitation rate of Caspian Sea sturgeon stocks have been decreased for major national and regional reasons, catch decreased 78 times in the past century. At the moment, Iran's share compared to other Caspian Sea littoral country increased from 2.7% to 52%. But the annual growth rate of Iran's harvest 1.6% decreased. According to the documents, content analysis and statistical resources the structural system of the management governance of Iran sturgeon activities was studied in 4 historical periods (Since 1927 until 2014). Results demonstrated that structural changes, apportion of duties and incoherence of integrated activity in the sturgeon management especially in the last decade had a great effect on sturgeon stocks. In the latest period compared to the ideal period, the average of annual harvest decreased about 95%. Since the beginning of the present century, the annual average of caviar and sturgeon's meat harvest were about 146 and 1076 tons respectively. Based on the achieving strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities management, the present study recommended 3 scenarios as purpose to improve and change the governance structure of Iranian sturgeon activities and preserve this valuable fish. Results also showed that the value of heritage and preserve of sturgeon fish are higher than caviar's exploitation and their instrumental value.