Iran's endangered caviar industry

Iran has been working for 35 years to prevent the extinction of wild sturgeon and preserve caviar production. The country releases 10 million baby sturgeon annually into rivers leading to the Caspian Sea. The process is slow, with some species taking up to 18 years to mature. Challenges include poaching, pollution, and dams blocking spawning routes. Iran urges neighboring countries to release sturgeon and control poaching. Despite less than 1% reaching maturity, the effort generates significant caviar revenue.

What is the primary goal of Iran's sturgeon fish farms?

• To produce more fish for local consumption

• To increase the population of wild sturgeon

• To develop new fish species

• To enhance the quality of river water

How long does it take for certain sturgeon species to reach maturity?

• 1 to 2 years

• 3 to 5 years

• 9 to 18 years

• 20 to 25 years

What are the main threats to the sturgeon population mentioned in the video?

• Habitat loss and disease

• Poaching, pollution, and dams

• Overfishing and climate change

• Invasive species and water scarcity

What does Iran expect from its Caspian Sea neighbors?

• To release sturgeon and control poaching

• To invest in local fish markets

• To increase tourism in the region

• To build more dams

Despite the low maturity rate, how much revenue does caviar production generate?

• $50 million

• $35 million

• $20 million

• $10 million