Abundance of native fish in Anzali Wetland and their conservation necessary

Anzali Wetland is one of the most important wetland in southern Caspian Sea where more than 45 endemic and native fish species were reported. In this study, distribution, abundance and IUCN category of fish species were investigated in Anzali Wetalnd during 2016-2017 according to research fishing and local fishermen data. The result showed that 45 fish species belong to 13 families exist in Anzali Wetland. The highest species diversity belongs to Cyprinidae and Gobiidae families with 25 and 6 species respectively.  There was distinguished 4 groups of fish consisting freshwater resident, Anadromous, estuarine and multi-habitat. Gambusia holbrooki, Carassius gibelio, Hemiculter leucisculus, Blicca bjoerkna and Rhodeus caspius were made 22. 8, 19. 7, 12. 1, 10. 1 and 8. 4% of total caught number, respectively. According to all data, the IUCN groups of Anzali Wetland fishes were categorized as 10 species in least concern, 10 species vulnerable, 5 species endangered and 6 species critically endangered. The protection of fish in Anzali wetland needs more attention and is necessary implementation of rehabilitation programs such as reducing the entry of various pollutants into the wetland, controlling invasive aquatic plants, sediment control, rehabilitating spawning sites and avoiding illegal fishing. Artificial propagation of endangered and critically endangered fish should be done for helping the fish for some years.