Strategic analysis of the development of aquaculture businesses in the downstream of Taleghan Dam

The main purpose of this research was to identify the most appropriate strategies for the development of aquaculture businesses in the downstream of Taleghan dam in Alborz province through the evaluation of the internal and external environment of the development of these businesses in 2019. The statistical population of this study was 15 fish farm operators who work in the studied area and were investigated by census method. The main tool for collecting information in this research was a questionnaire. The face and content validity of the questionnaire was examined and finally confirmed by experts in the field of fisheries as well as agricultural extension. The data was analyzed using the SWOT method. The results showed that in the internal environment of the development of aquaculture production and rearing, the most important strengths of aquaculture in the downstream of Taleghan Dam were: high-quality product production and suitable topography and slope of the land for the construction of aquaculture farms. On the other hand, the high cost of water and electricity for the aquaculture farms and the old technologies and equipment used in these farms were among the most important weaknesses. Examining the external environment of aquaculture development and production showed that the most important threats to this industry were the high cost of inputs in the market and inability of producers, especially the small producers to afford them. On the other hand, the high adaptability of fish species to the climatic conditions of the region, the low per capita consumption of aquatic products and the need to increase it, and the suitable and available market for marketing products are among the most important opportunities for the development of this industry in the studied area. The comparison of the internal and external environment of the development of aquaculture businesses in the downstream of Taleghan Dam showed that the internal and external environment was with total weighted scores of 0.35 and 0.03, respectively. In other words, the strength points were dominant in the internal environment and the opportunities were dominant in the external environment. The results of the situation evaluation and strategic action matrix also showed that the most suitable strategies for the development of the aquaculture industry under the Taleghan Dam are in the competitive field. Some of the most important strategies presented in this area include branding products and sending them to capital markets and international markets, using the capacity of the private and public sectors to provide inputs, quick market access to fishery products, and training the producers.