An overview of the fishes of the Anzali Wetland

Anzali International Wetland located on the southwestern shore of the Caspian Sea possess a strategic role in establishing the ecological balance between animals and birds owing to its unique features. The wetland acts as a natural reproduction and rehabilitation ground for several groups the Caspian Sea fishes. It also serves as a habitat and spawning ground for the Caspian Sea migratory fish during their early life stages. Over 110 species and subspecies of fish from 18 families have been reported in the Caspian Sea and its catchment area, including native, non-native and ornamental fish species. Fishes of the Anzali wetland maintain economic, commercial, environmental or protective, recreational and sports fishing values. Most fishes of the waterbodies of Guilan including Caspian Sea belong to families of Cyprinidae, Gobiidae, Clupeidae and constitute about 75% of the total fish population of the Caspian Sea. Population of many of these fish species has been severely declined and are placed at endangered fish (vulnerable, highly endangered and critically endangered) categories. To maintain populations of these fish species, special attentions such as fishing ban, artificial breeding and propagation by governmental and non-governmental organizations, restoration and development of spawning grounds, reducing pollution input, definition of appropriate water regime and training different segments of the people including fishermen of the Anzali Wetland should be given priority.