Caspian nations introduce moratorium on sturgeon fishing

All Caspian nations except Iran have agreed on a moratorium for sturgeon fishing and caviar exports. The document prohibits commercial fishing of sturgeons, but does not affect science researches, according to the first deputy chairman of the "AzerBaliq" (Azerbaijan fish) state concern Tariel Mammadov. He was addressing the 14th meeting of the commission on water bio-resources of the Caspian in Astrakhan, Russia.

According to him, the meeting adopted a separate document on Iran, a non-member of the commission with highest sturgeon fishing rate. The document urges Iran to abide by the decision of other Caspian littoral states.

In 2001-2002, Azerbaijan will assume rotating presidency in the commission, T. Mammadov said.*