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International audience; The molecular pathogenesis of psoriasis is characterized in part by breakdown of immune tolerance to self-DNA. Recent work demonstrates that the human antimicrobial peptide (AMP) LL37 overexpressed in psoriasis organizes naked DNA into periodic nanocrystals to potently hyperactivate Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Interestingly, a subset of self-DNA in psoriatic lesions remain bound to histones as histone-DNA nucleosome core particles (NCPs) released from neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). At present, it is unknown how NET components like AMPs interact with NCPs, and whether AMP-NCP complexes form structures compatible with TLR9 activation in psoriasis. Here, we combine synchrotron X-ray scattering, cryo-electron microscopy, and computer simulations to demonstrate that under a broad range of conditions, NCPs stack into columns that present periodically arranged dsDNA ligands like threads on a screw, allowing for optimal interdigitation with clusters of TLR9. Remarkably, simulations and electron microscopy indicate that the superhelical pitch of DNA wrapped around the NCP column relaxes to a value that is well-matched with the steric size of TLR9, which predicts strong immune activation. Taken together, our results suggest that AMPs can remodel the structural organization of nucleosomes from NETs into potent amplifiers of inflammation. Preliminary immune activation experiments will be presented.

Este artigo pretende apresentar reflexões acerca da experiência vivenciada na disciplina “Matemática e Cultura: Etnomatemática” ministrada no ano de 2017, no curso de Matemática em uma universidade pública brasileira. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi o de verificar a relevância da discussão/reflexão acerca da pesquisa etnográfica na formação inicial em Matemática e sobre os modos de ver e conceber elementos culturais em contextos distintos. Nesse sentido, será apresentada uma pesquisa desenvolvida por um licenciando ao longo da disciplina, considerando saberes e fazeres (“ticas” de “matema”) vinculados às práticas de um pedreiro na cidade de Ituiutaba/MG. Por um lado, a pesquisa evidenciou que, na maioria dos processos na construção de uma obra, necessita-se de cálculos matemáticos, envolvendo raciocínio geométrico e cálculo mental. Por outro lado, que se torna necessário envolver a discussão da matemática e cultura, evidenciando a pesquisa etnográfica na formação inicial do professor de matemática, potencializando a dimensão educacional do Programa Etnomatemática.

This study was conducted to determine catch and fishing effort trends, length and age composition, growth and mortality parameters and estimate biomass and acceptable biological catch of Kutum in the Iranian coastal waters of the Caspian Sea from 2015 to 2017. The catch of Kutum was 4282.9 and 3395.5 tons and CPUE were 98.3 and 80.4 kg/haul in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, respectively. The mean (± SD) of fork length were observed 38.8±6.6 and 37.1±5.6 cm and for total weight were 790.8±435.2 and 637.2±392.2 gram in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, respectively. The most predominated of length class was obtained 34-36 cm in 2015-2016 and from 36-38 to 38-40 cm in 2016-2017 respectively and frequency of immature individuals were observed 48.1 and 55.5 percent during two sampling period, respectively. The range of age was from 2 to 11 year and fish with 3 to 5 years comprised up to 76.6 percent. In length – weight relationship a, b and r2 were calculated 0.01, 3.04 and 0.96 in 2015-2016 and 0.005, 3.19 and 0.92 in 2016-2017 respectively. K value, L∞ and t 0 were calculated 0.2 (/year), 62.3 cm and -0.65 respectively. Mortality parameters such as Z, M and F were calculated 0.72, 0.37 and 0.35 respectively and Exploitation rate were calculated 0.49. The biomass of kutum estimated 25270 tons and the biomass of Kutum decreased in recently years in spite of produce and release of huge fingerlings. This recruitment (produce and release fingerlings) must be continued for stability of stocks and fishing stress must be decrease by anyway. Published

This study aimed to assess the social, economic and fish farming in cages in the Southern Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea is considered as one of the most important water resources of Iran, in which due to the appropriate weather conditions in the north of the country, has the potential for marine aquaculture. With the implementation of this plan would say that with respect to the proposed initial selection from Kheshtsar in Mazandaran province and Kiashahr in Guilan province with along coastline of about 250 km from the depth of 20 to 100 meters and an the area of about 2027km2 has the cage aquaculture talent. Of course, at the depths of greater than 100 M by using the world technology procedure, there is also the possibility of the establishment of marine cage aquaculture. Now, with the regards of the above potential in the Caspian Sea coastline, it is expected at least 200 cages fish sites farming in with the establishment of 40 cages per site and produce 160,000 tons with creating of 1,000 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs and income 2000 billion gross annual average net profit of 40% could be 800 billion in which will produce of proteins needed part of the country, creating jobs, welfare, prosperity and economy in the region. With the implementation of such national project, it is needed to establish pilot farms to reach the goals: environmental assessment studies, risk assessment, aquatic selection and the use of appropriate cage structures according to ecological conditions of southern Caspian Sea. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

This study was conducted to determine catch and fishing effort trends, length and age composition, growth and mortality parameters and estimate biomass and acceptable biological catch of Kutum in the Iranian coastal waters of the Caspian Sea from 2015 to 2017. The catch of Kutum was 4282.9 and 3395.5 tons and CPUE were 98.3 and 80.4 kg/haul in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, respectively. The mean (± SD) of fork length were observed 38.8±6.6 and 37.1±5.6 cm and for total weight were 790.8±435.2 and 637.2±392.2 gram in 2015-2016 and 2016- 2017, respectively. The most predominated of length class was obtained 34-36 cm in 2015-2016 and from 36-38 to 38-40 cm in 2016-2017 respectively and frequency of immature individuals were observed 48.1 and 55.5 percent during two sampling period, respectively. The range of age was from 2 to 11 year and fish with 3 to 5 years comprised up to 76.6 percent. In length – weight relationship a, b and r2 were calculated 0.01, 3.04 and 0.96 in 2015-2016 and 0.005, 3.19 and 0.92 in 2016-2017 respectively. K value, L∞ and t0 were calculated 0.2 (/year), 62.3 cm and -0.65 respectively. Mortality parameters such as Z, M and F were calculated 0.72, 0.37 and 0.35 respectively and Exploitation rate were calculated 0.49. The biomass of kutum estimated 25270 tons and the biomass of Kutum decreased in recently years in spite of produce and release of huge fingerlings. This recruitment (produce and release fingerlings) must be continued for stability of stocks and fishing stress must be decrease by anyway. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

The present study was carried out on the basis of data collected from the catch of beach seine operating in the southern coast of the Caspian Sea for two species carp (Cyprinus carpio) and roach (Rutilus caspicus) in 2015 – 2016. Besides, the changes in patterns of recruitments were evaluated on the basis of the historical catch statistics and the released number of the two species which taken from the G.D office of Golestan province. The age structure and length-frequency distribution of the two species were determined. The largest catches of carp and roach belongs to the age groups (5, 6 and 1, 2) year olds, respectively. In order to estimate the growth pattern of the two species, the length-weight relationships were determined. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters (L∞, K and t0) and mortality were calculated by the ELFFAN I method using FiSAT program for two species. The von Bertalanffy growth equation obtained was Lt=75. 72 (1-e (-0. 12 (t+0. 5)) in 2015 and Lt=72. 75 (1-e (-0. 13 (t+0. 26)) in 2016 for carp and Lt=30. 82 (1-e (-0. 27 (t+1)) in 2015 Lt=24. 92 (1-e (-0. 5 (t+0. 35)) in 2016 for Roach. The estimates of von Bertalanffy growth parameters were compared with the carp populations in other areas. The total coefficient of mortality (Z) using the linear curve method of fishing was estiamted 1. 3 years for carp and 0.86 for roach in both years. The natural mortality (M) using the Pauli experimental formula was calculated 0.23 years in 2015 and 0.24 years in 2016 for carp and 0.5 years in 2015 and 0.46 years in 2016 for roach. The biomass of two species carp and roach was estimated 96.7 and 68.4 tone in 2015 and 4.8 and 21.8 tone in 2016, respectively. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

Region South East of the Caspian Sea (area Goharbaran) having valuable resources biological flora and fauna, the diversity of commercial fishes, especially reserves the exclusive sturgeon as well as reserves abiotic such as oil and gas resources and transit of goods through Bandar Amirabad to Central Asia , the ecological conditions for the implementation of the project is very necessary. The aim of this study was to determine species composition, spatial and temporal distribution of plankton and fish of this region. Plankton sampled from different depths (5, 10 and 15 m) were carried out. Sampling of phytoplankton did by Ruttner and sampling of zooplankton did by net with mesh size 100 microns. The fish were sampled monthly from December 2013 to July 2014 and within months was carried out. From livestock gill Monofilament.. In this study, a total of 130 species of phytoplankton of 7 filums Bacillariophyta (60 species), Pyrrophyta (23 species), Cyanophyta (22 species), Chlorophyta (14 species), Euglnophyta (9 species), Haptophyta (1 species) and Chrysophyta (1 species )and 24 species of zooplankton branch of Copepoda (5 species), Rotatoria (7 species), porotozoa (3 species), Cladocera (9 species), and Meroplankton (2 species) of larvae of Cypris Balanus and bivalves Lamellibranchiate larvae and 256 fish Acipenser persicus at 5, Alosa braschnikowi 71 number, Alosa caspia 40 number, Benthophilius lipidus 1 number, Cluponella cultriventris 72 number, Cyprinus carpio 1 number, Liza saliens 15 number, Neogobius bathybius 1 number, Neogobius caspia 5 pcs, Neogobius flauviatilis 19 number, Neogobius gorlab 6 number, Rutilus kutum 14 number, Rutilus rutilus 2 pcs, vimba vimba 4 number was observed.Different ecological conditions appointment dietary needs and relationships of organisms and their adaptations to the environment, the density and distribution of different species of phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish specifies.Also the Caspian Sea due to the type of biological species and number of endemic species (42%) in addition to comb jelly invasion, were force of the effects some species like Gloeotrichia Echinulata and as a result, now or in the future, more species will be observed and recognized will be of most interest. Also Psedonitzschia seriata ability to produce Domick acid that can be hazardous to aquatic animals and even human, was in Goharbaran area. This was considered for fishes of the southern Caspian Sea and ecological distribution of most species depends on the region. The abundance of two species of whitefish and pelagic fish in Ghahrebaran region is more than the whole Caspian Sea. On the other hand, the dominant phytoplankton of this region is Bacillariophyta and dominant zooplankton is Copepoda, which shows the goodness of these plankton branches, and by changing the various factors as the different terms of receiving solar energy and resulting in temperature and water currents can cause seasonal differences in the density of the Bacillariophyta branch and also the Copepoda, therefore one of the most important factors is season, and in the winter, when the aquatic rotation of this ecosystem increases, it increases the nutrients and moves it from the floor to the water column, and as a result, increasing the amount of silica in various levels of water can affect the nutrition of fish.

The main goal of the current study is to evaluate the impact of dietary herbal appetizer on the growth performance of growth out shrimp. This project was conducted at Caspian sea research institute of ecology from 2014 to 2016. Totally 180shrimps with an average weight of 2 g were randomly distributed to 9 fiberglass tanks with area and depth of 1m2 and of 0.6 m. The experiment lasted for eight weeks and the shrimp were fed by three different diets as follows: 1. Commercial pellet contained no herbal additive (control diet) 2. Commercial pellet contained 1% herbal appetizer and 3. Commercial pellet contained 2% herbal appetizer. The results showed that prawn weight gains for diet 1 , 2 and 3 were 6.28, 5.68 and 6.07 respectively. The estimated growth rate was 2.34g for control diet, 2.22g for 1% inclusion of the additive and 2.28g for 2% inclusion of the additive. Results also showed that inclusion of the additive did not change statistically average final weight (p>0.05). A larger weight gain was observed at 0% additive inclusion although this was not statistically different with other treatments. In conclusion, with regard to the observed results, herbal appetizer administration cannot improve growth, feed conversion rate and weight gain in common carps. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

This study is attempted to compare the number of rings and circular scales that are formed during various ages on Liza saliens. Sampling was carried out monthly during 2012-2013 using beach seine fishing nets. 102 specimens of different sizes were collected and transferred to the laboratory in boxes containing ice. The age of fish was determined by the number of annual rings as well as, the number of rings in each annual area. The distance between rings in each annual area was also measured. The results showed that the maximum growth was demonstrated in the first and second years. In the first year of life, the scale radius was nearly 2823.3±366.5(µm) which decreased to 1223.9±236.0(µm). The result indicated that 48 percentage of growth scales occurred in the first year and this value is only 21.8% in the second year. The number of growth rings in the annual regions decreased with increase in age. The result demonstrated that the average number of rings was 95.5±17.6 in the first life year of the fish. If you take into account the number of growth ring through years in comparison with the number of days in a year, it is clear that one ring was nearly made in four days in the first life year and it gradually reached 7.5, 15.9, 21.9 and 31.7 in the second, fourth and sixth years of life, respectively. One ring was approximately made in each month at higher ages.

The main objectives of the present study were to estimate of biomass during 1997-2014 and maximum sustainable yield of common kilka Clupeonella cultriventris Borodin, 1904 in 2013 in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea. This paper examines the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and fishing intensity at MSY (fMSY) and then using fMSY, yield-per-recruit and spawning biomass-per-recruit under various harvest strategies of Fmax, F0.1 and F40%; the acceptable biological catch (ABC) was estimated. During 1997-2014, the biomass of common kilka was increased from 22000 in 1997 to 112000 t in 2009 then declined to 83300 in 2013. In the period, the instantaneous coefficient of fishing mortality varied between 0.246/yr to 1.640/yr and the exploration rates were 0.327 and 0.764. The reference points of common kilka at F0.1 and F40% were estimated 0.92 and 0.80 year−1 , respectively. According to Schafer model the MSY and fMSY were estimated 22670 t and 8690 vessel×nights (a unit of effort). During 2013, the ABC of common kilka was estimated 17500, 20060, 23500 and 18900 t in tiers 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. However, for the implementation of a precautionary management approach the lower and more accurate ABC-value, based on more information, should be selected and thus the catch should be restricted to 17500 t.

A mass-balance Ecopath model of coastal areas in the Caspian Sea has been constructed for a quantitative description of the trophic structure of the ecosystem. The model is used to estimate the important biological parameters and relationships among the different ecologically important groups. Twenty five species were used in the present analysis. The model is based on the data collected of Kilka fisheries, beach seining (Bony fish fisheries), and set Gillnet (Sturgeon Fisheries) and also dietary information. Total landings along the Iranian portion of southern Caspian coast reached 39647 t, including sturgeon (41 t), kilka (22873 t) and bony fishes (16733 t) in 2014. Two species of kilka (Common kilka and Anchovy) are important commercially in the Caspian Sea, together accounting in the past decade for > 60 % of the total catch, as well as being a crucial part of the food chain. The mean average trophic level was estimated at 3.17 by Ecopath software. In this research, the mean level were studied between eight species varied from 2.56 to 4.04, Sander lucioperca occupy the highest and the as vimba vimba was the lowest level. The ranges of total mortality varied from 0.5 to 2.56 per years. The food consumption rate was estimated about 101.56 per year Mixd trophic level index (MTI) showed small pelagic fishes as prey, have crucial role in feeding of pelagic predators population such as invasion of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi, bream fish and benthic fish such as sturgeon. In general, niche overlap was greater in more species such as Alburnus chalcoides, Rutilus rutilus, Clupeonella cultriventris, Rutilus kutum and M. leidyi who consumed large amounts of plankton. In conclusion small pelagic fish exert a major control on the trophic dynamics of the Caspian Sea ecosystems and constitute midtrophic-level populations.

Background: In human, about 25% of implanted embryos are losing 1-2 week following attachment to the uterus. A subset of this population will have three or more consecutive miscarriages which define as repeated pregnancy loss (RPL). Introducing the assisted reproductive technologies (ARTS) made a chance for infertile couples to solve their childless problem. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of Y-chromosome AZF region's micro-deletions in male partners of couples with recurrent miscarriage (RM). Materials and Methods: Thirty male partner of couples with RM and thirty infertile males, who referred to the Yazd Research and Clinical Center for Infertility were recruited to this study. In addition, 30 healthy men were screened as a control group from the same center. After DNA extraction using salting out method, the multiplex-PCR was done for amplifying 8 known STSs proximal to the AZF region of the Y-chromosome. The results were compared between the groups using Fisher's exact t-test and p

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of natural reproduction of indanger fish in the southern Caspian Sea in Tajan, Haraz,Sardabrood and Chalos rivers, and identify suitable habitats for this species in the study area as a genetic reserve.Sampling of physical and chemical parameters of water, macrobenthic invertebrates and fish fauna was conducted seasonaly in each rivers at selected stations from febrary 2010 during one year. Macrobenthic invertebrate sampling were used bySorber sampler and fish was collected by gill net and electroshocker set with a voltage of 1.7 A and 100-300 V. A total of 53 taxa of macrobenticinvertabrateshave been identified in the four mentioned rivers, in which Tajanriverconsisted of 47 taxa with highest richness.20 species of fish were determined in the studied rivers that 6 of them were non-native species.The results showed that the predominant identified fish species were native in the river. The fish species diversity increases as one moves from the headstream towards the estuaries of the two studied Sardabrud and Chalus rivers.The results of this study showed that the relative abundance of fish species resistant to pollution and hard environmental conditions were much more that sensitive species. physicochemical parameters of water such as; water temperature, DO, BOD5, pH, TSS, TDS, EC, turbidity, nutrients, biodiversity index such as Shanon index, EPT, HFBI, EPT/CHIR, nutrition functioning group and present or absent of fish species showed that there are significant decrease in water qualities from upstraem ratio to down stream (For example, in Tajan river water turbidity varied from 0 at station 1 to 333 NTU at station 6, Which is strongly influenced by sand workshops. As well as the activities of a significant impact of fish farming workshop on the Haraz river water quality). The minimum of HFBI index was 2.84 at station 1 and the maximum was recorded at station 5 with 6.01, and there is not any possibility to natural reproduction of migrated species that are dominant and indanger at downstream. Conditions for natural reproduction of this species in the rivers of srdabrood and Chalus there is to some. In Shahid- Rajaei dam the maximum relative abundance of fish species belonged to Capoeta capoeta, Luciobarbus capito and Squalius cephalus, respectively. These species have different age, length and weight stuctures at Shahid- Rajaei dam inhabitant, and the resourval of this dam and it,s upstream have been preparing auch a favorabile condition that seems there are potentioal of introductionand inhabitant of some of the Migratory and indanger fish species such as Barbels, Sturgeon, Alburnus chalcoides and etc. as genetic reserve for biodiversity preservation. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

Mullet and mullet products have considerable economic importance at a regional level, especially around the Caspian Sea. The leaping mullet constitutes an important part of their production. This study is the first detailed work on the age and growth of the leaping mullet (Liza saliens) from September 2012 to March 2013 in theSouthern coast of the Caspian Sea.Age and growth determinations were based upon thescale samples taken from 102 fish. Marginal increment analysis was used to validate agedetermination. The back-calculated lengths stage estimated from the scale showed no differences between in this study. The maximum age of leaping mullet in the Southern coast of the Caspian Sea was 5 years for males and 6 years for females.The von Bertalanffy growth functions were Lt=30.415(1-e-0.275(t+0.645)) for males and Lt=34.832(1-e0.211(t+1.009)) for females. A large spread and length overlapcharacterized the age groups. The estimated LengthWeight relationships were common for the two sexes(W=0.079L3 ). The slope (b) values of the length-weight relationship showed that weight of leaping grey mullet in Mazandaran increased associated with length in isometric. The mean condition factor for males, females and all specimens were determined as 0.908, 0.900 and 0.897, respectively. According to sex groups, the mean condition factor of males was slightlyhigher than that of females. The total length for leaping grey mullet was determined as 23.3 cm. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

This study was conducted to determine growth parameters, catch and fishing effort trends, stock assessment and Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) of bony fishes in the Iranian coastal waters of Caspian Sea in the years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. According to the result, the numbers of beach seines were 124 and 120 and their fishing efforts were observed 44688 and 46299 beach seining, respectively. The total catches (including illegal fishing) were also obtained 17144.3 mt and 16733.2 mt during 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, respectively. The highest proportion of catch was belonged to kutum and golden grey mullet (94.4% and 89.5%, respectively) in two fishing seasons mentioned above. Growth parameters of kutum were estimated as K=0.19/yr, L_∞ = 61.3 cm, t0 = -0.99/yr. The Growth parameters were K=0.18/yr, L_∞ = 61.1 cm, t0 = -0.14/yr for golden gray mullet and were K=0.14/yr, L_∞ = 70.8 cm, t0 = 0/yr for common carp. Based on catch-at-age data, in the years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, the total biomass, from the biomass-based cohort analysis were estimated 46900 mt and 41000 mt for kutum and 11550 mt and 12670 mt for golden grey mullet, respectively. The reference points of F0.1 and F35% were 0.41/yr and 0.34/yr for kutum and 0.36/yr and 0.33/yr for golden grey mullet, respectively. According to catch of species/groups, three main groups can be divided easily. The one–way ANOSIM catch similarity test indicated that coverage rates of different years were homologous and similar, but the coverage rates of different months, regions and periods were not similar. Also, there were significant differences in community composition of fishes in catch of beach seines among three times; three durations; three regions and seasons (in all cases MRPP, p

In this study genetic characterization of Barbus brachycephalus caspius, Lucioperca lucioperca , Rutilus rutilus caspius , Rutilus frisi kutum and Salmo trutta caspius were examined by 611 samples from regions in East (Guilan province), Middle (Mazandaran province) and west (Golestan province) of southen part of the Caspian Sea. DNA was extracted from fin tissue by phenol - chlorophorm method and then PCR was performed using special primers. Statistical analysis of data was performed by Gene Alex, MEGA and Arlequin softwares. - Rutilus frisi kutum: The results showed that nine of ten primers were polymorphic loci. The mean of effective and observed alleles were 7.26±0.49 and 4.37± 0.35 respectively. Also, the mean of expected and observed heterozygosity were 0.55±0.03 and 0.69±0.02 respectively. Of the analysed loci, all of the samples (except Tajan and samples in LOC4 and Gilan samples in MFW2) possible tests were found to deviate significantly from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium(P

The ichthyology studies at fish tagging was referred to more than 100 years ago. Tagging is utilized for the estimation of stock amount, population frequency and project or calculating of survival and growth value. There are many various methods for fish tagging are used for juvenile to adult fish. The current study was carried out at Ghare-su research station during 2011-2013. 250 of carp fingerlings (Cyprinus carpio) were tagged by bath with tetracycline manner (pH=6, 500mg/l). The fork length and weight of fish were 10-12 mm and 2-4 g, respectively. Also, fish were fed twice a day. The second and third tagging stages were performed at November 2012 and July 2014, respectively. After otolith was extracted, it was washed water and dry at lab room air. The tagged rings or loops (annuali) were observed by lab loupe with 10X and 40 X magnifications. The results showed that a narrow band was formed after the first tagging of carp fingerlings, as it was seen at the end of otolith edge. It was demonstrated that tetracycline was absorbed and the tagged ring or loop (annuli) was newly formed at external or out of othlith edge. There was not observed any fish death, when carp fingerlings were tagged by OTC bath manner. It said that the first OTC band will be seen, the first sign of the formed OTC band was observed at external margin of otoilith after 6th month , of course , from 4th month, this sign was formed at the most external of otoilth edge but with added the following region, it can be hardly distinguished. The formed band in relative to second tagging was similar to the first band but there was no discrepancy or difference with together.

The main goal of the current study is to evaluate the impact of dietary herbal appetizer on the growth performance of growth out common carp. This project was conducted at Caspian sea research institute of ecology from 2013 to 2014. Totally 186 common carps with an average weight of 126.3 g were randomly distributed to 9 fiberglass tanks with area and depth of 16m2 and of 0.6 m. The experiment lasted for eight weeks and the fish were fed by three different diets as follows: 1. Commercial pellet contained no herbal additive (control diet) 2. Commercial pellet contained 1% herbal appetizer and 3. Commercial pellet contained 2% herbal appetizer. The results showed that common carp weight gains for diet 1 , 2 and 3 were 51.6, 49.3 and 57.6g respectively. The estimated growth rate was 39.03g for control diet, 40.03g for 1% inclusion of the additive and 48.65g for 2% inclusion of the additive. Results also showed that inclusion of the additive did not change statistically average final weight (p>0.05). A larger weight gain was observed at 2% additive inclusion although this was not statistically different with other treatments. In conclusion, with regard to the observed results, herbal appetizer administration cannot improve growth, feed conversion rate and weight gain in common carps.

This study was conducted to determine growth parameters, catch and fishing effort trends, stock assessment and Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) of Caspian Sea mullets in the Iranian coastal waters of Caspian Sea in the fishing season of 2012-2013. For gathering of data on biometry and catch statistics, 5 mobile working group in the regions of Anzali, Kiashahr, Nowshahr, Babolsar and Torkmen were involved from the start to the end of fishing season.Gathered data Were entered to the computer. For data analysis, common methods were undertaken for estimation of growth parameters, mortality rates, biomass and Maximum Sustainable yield (MSY) and Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) as well. According to the result, the number of beach seines cooperatives was 124 and fishing efforts were 45260 beach seining haul. The catch per unit of effort CPUE) was calculated 37 kg/haul during this fishing season. The total catches of Caspian Sea mullets (including illegal fishing estimated as 2151 mt. Growth parameters of golden gray mullet (Liza aurata) were estimated as K=0.12 /yr, L_∞=59.24 cm, t_0 = - 1.31 /yr. Based on catch-at-age data, in the fishing season of 2012-2013 , the total biomass, from the biomass-based cohort analysis were estimated 11321.6 mt. The reference points of F0.1 and F30% were estimated 0.3 /yr . based on these results , the fishing mortality rate in fishing season of 20122013 were very closed to these reference points. In this survey , the Maximum sustainable yield and Acceptable biological catch were estimated as 2207.7 and 1981.4 mt respectively .Results of biometry of leaping gray mullet (Liza saliens) showed that the mean length and weight of this species were 28.8 ± 3.4 cm and 230.5±74.8 g respectively. Based on these results and due to decline of golden gray mullet stocks, it is recommanded to reduce fishing effort and harvest keep to the level of MSY and ABC .The study of spawing condition of golden gray mullet in new situation of this species is also recommanded.

Environmental pollution by heavy metals has been a matter of growing concern over the last decades. Heavy metals are toxic and tend to accumulate in living organisms. In many studies, fish has been used as a sampling item to monitor the quality of ecosystems because of two reasons: 1- Fish bio-concentrate and integrate contaminant load both in time and space leading to more representative results compared to water samples, and 2- Fish represent the bio-available fraction of environmental contaminants, unlike water and sediment samples. On the other hand, humans consume fish species which makes attention to these fauna even more important. Levels of some metals in the water running in Volga River, towards the Caspian Sea, and elevated concentrations of some trace elements have been reported in sediment. Also, various pollutants have accumulated in the Caspian Sea due to effluents from coastal catchments and leakage from offshore oil production and land-based sources. ... The objective of the present study was to investigate the concentrations of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) in fish muscle in the most commercially important fish species of kilka (common kilka, C. cultriventris, anchovy C. engrauliformis and bigeye kilka C. grimmi) in the Caspian Sea.

The aim of this project is to study the growth and age structure in the Caspian trout, comparison with other coldwater species and check the trend of these parameters in recent years. This study was conducted during 2013 till 2015. Totally, 43 specimens for back calculation and 101 specimens for biometrical study of the Caspian trout have been caught in two month period. Biometric parameters such as length, weight and age of the fish were recorded. Base on Back calculation method in 1393, the average length of fish at ages 1, 2 and 3 years old were 18.98 ± 3.5, 30.5 ± 7.24 and 41.7 ± 9.1 cm. So these age groups are under the adult age and don’t approaching to near the beach and rivers for spawning behavior. Therefore, these length groups cannot be observed in catch composition. The result showed, the mean of gonad weight in this fish was about 11 percent of total weight and number of eggs per gram of gonad calculated about 10.8 numbers. Minimum age and maximum age of this species determined 4 years and 7 years (mean = 5.6) and the most frequency allocated to 5 age group and the frequency of 6 and 7 years has been remarkable. The average length of salmon was 69.2 ± 6.2 cm (minimum 57 and maximum 81 cm) and the average weight was measured 3323 ± 677 g (2400 to 5600 g) in the catch composition. Growth parameters such as k, L∞ and ø’ was measured 0.18, 104 cm and 3.289 respectively. The amount of b for relation length and weight was 2.9 which imply negative allometry. L∞ and growth coefficient (K) on the Caspian trout were acceptable range, that it shows good growth the fish in the sea water. Most of the fishes were catched from Cheshmehkileh River. As at present Shilat uses just the broods of the Tonekaboon region for restocking of this species, we recommend using the broods of the western region separately for rehabilitation of the stocks of this region. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

The overfishing and changing environmental following the introduction of the comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi in the Caspian Sea, the population structure has a strong influence on kilka fishes in the Caspian Sea and therefore to in this investigation which had been done in commercial catch regions (where discharged theirs catch) in three ports Babolsar, Amirabad (in mazandaran) and Anzali (in Guilan), stimated catch and catch per unit effort, the age structur of catch, length- weight relationship, von Bertalanffy growth parameters, condition factor, sex ratios, maturity stags, spawning and feeding. The result shown that catch of kilka in Iranian coastal in 2012 decreased from 24080 ton to 22696 ton in 2013. But CPUE increased was 2.7 ton (Vessel ×Night) and there was no significant changes. Common kilka was the predominant all months of the year, 98.1 and 98.9 percent in 2012 and 2013 respectively. The mean length was 104.4±10.5 and 101.6±11.2 at the same time and range length 92/ 5 – 117/5 mm were the dominant population(about 75%). Relative abundance of fish less than 77.5 mm and more than 127.5 mm is very low. Age abundance during this period have not been substantially changed and always fishes with 3 and 4 year olds had the highest frequency73.6 and 73.5 percent respectively. The parameters of the Von Bertalanffy growth curve were ] exp1[8.141 ) 048.1(297.0  tLt for common kilka. The instantaneous coefficient of natural mortality (M) was 0.506 yr-1. The instantaneous coefficient of fihing mortality and total mortality were 0.694 yr-1 and 1.2 yr-1 , respectively. The exploitation rate of common kilka varied during 2012-2013 between 0.41-0.50. The mean condition factor 1.41±0.14 (n=5801) and 1.38±0.16 (n=6754) at the same time respectively . According to statistical analysis Anova oneway were a significant difference between condition factor at the same time . Main prey common kilka was Acartia tonsa accounting for over 80%. It seems Common kilka due to a decrease in the frequency of other zooplankton species depend more than ever on Acartia tonsa and this species is probably a concentration of prey for Common kilka. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

The main objectives of the present study were to estimate of biomass and maximum sustainable yield of common kilka in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea. This paper examines the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and fishing intensity at MSY (fMSY) and then using by fMSY, yield-per-recruit and spawning biomass-per-recruit under various harvest strategies of Fmax, F0.1 and F40%; the acceptable biological catch (ABC) was estimated. The results showed that the catch of three species of kilka were 24080 and 22969 t in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 in Iranian waters of the Caspian sea, respectively and common kilka predominated with 98.1% and 98.9%, respectively. Growth parameters were estimated as L∞ = 141.8 mm, K=0.297 year−1 , t0 =−1.048 year−1 . The ages of common kilka comprised 6 age groups, ranged from 1 to 6 years and Age groups 3 and 4 years old had the highest frequency. In the years 2012-2013, the catch of age 1 and age 4 represented the lowest and highest proportion of total catch (133.6 and 9121.6 t). In 2013-2014, followed the catch of age 1 and age 3 had the lowest and highest proportion of total catch (151.9 and 8700.2 t). The instantaneous coefficient of natural mortality was estimated as 0.506 year−1 and total mortality and the instantaneous coefficient of terminal fishing mortality were 0.894 and 1.40 year−1 respectively. In the years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, the biomass of common kilka was estimated 90700 and 83300 t, respectively. Also, the fishing mortality was 0.622 and 0.894 year−1 and the exploration rates were 0.551 and 0.636. The reference points of common kilka at F0.1 and F40% were estimated 0.92 and 0.80 year−1 , respectively. According to Schafer model the MSY and fMSY were estimated 22670 t and 8690 vessel×nights (a unit of effort). In 2013-2014, the ABC of common kilka was estimated 17500, 20060, 23500 and 18900 t in tiers 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. However, for the implementation of a precautionary management approach the lower and more accurate ABC-value, based on more information, should be selected and thus the catch should be restricted to 17500 t. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

Dam reservoirs have important rules in aquaculture and fish farming in many countries. In this regard, water samples of Azad Dam reservoir (Sanandaj) were collected at five stations from July 2015 to June 2016. Then, the results of 18 physico-chemical parameters were compared with the aquaculture standards and thresholds. Results showed that thermocline and oxycline was started from June and they vanished in December. Maximum level of thermal and oxygen stratified were registered during August and June, respectively. Mean of the most physico-chemical parameters were significantly different between surface and bottom layers (T-Test, p

The main goal of the current study is to evaluate the impact of dietary herbal appetizer on the growth performance of growth out common carp. This project was conducted at Caspian sea research institute of ecology from 2013 to 2014. Totally 186 common carps with an average weight of 126.3 g were randomly distributed to 9 fiberglass tanks with area and depth of 16m2 and of 0.6 m. The experiment lasted for eight weeks and the fish were fed by three different diets as follows: 1. Commercial pellet contained no herbal additive (control diet) 2. Commercial pellet contained 1% herbal appetizer and 3. Commercial pellet contained 2% herbal appetizer. The results showed that common carp weight gains for diet 1 , 2 and 3 were 51.6, 49.3 and 57.6g respectively. The estimated growth rate was 39.03g for control diet, 40.03g for 1% inclusion of the additive and 48.65g for 2% inclusion of the additive. Results also showed that inclusion of the additive did not change statistically average final weight (p>0.05). A larger weight gain was observed at 2% additive inclusion although this was not statistically different with other treatments. In conclusion, with regard to the observed results, herbal appetizer administration cannot improve growth, feed conversion rate and weight gain in common carps. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

After the arrival of the invasive spexies (Mnemiopsis leidyi) in the ecosystem of Caspian Sea in 1999, It had notable impacts. In this study, we,re assessing impacts of quantitative M. leidyi as a biopllutant on zooplankton community in the southern part of the Caspian Sea during 2001-2010 period. It becomes clear that Abundance and Distribution Range ( ADR) of M.leidyi during 2001-2009 was in class E( occurrence in high numbers in all localities) and in year 2010 was in class D( occurrence in moderate numbers in all localities). from 2001- 2009, ADR in Summer season was in class E, but in summer 2010 , relatinve biomass of M.leidyi has decreased and ADR was evaluated as D. During the fall seasons of 2001 -2010, only in fall of 2003 and 2010, the ADR was C( occurrence in low numbers in all localities) and D respectively and in other years, the ADR was in class E. In winter season relative biomass of M.leidyi decreased and only in winter of 2001 relative biomass was high and the highest ADR ( class E). In winter 2003 and 2004, ADR was in class D . The biomass of M.leidyi was found to be zero in winter 2008. From winter of 2009-2010,ADR, were assessed B and A respectively. In the spring, ADR was evaluated A and D. Considering the obtained results, the yesr 2001, which the relative niomass was more than 90 percent,could be considered as the expantion phase and the following years( 2002-2010) with regard to decrease of relative biomass as the adjustment phase. With regards to the loss of the keystone species (Eurytemora sP.) and some other native species ,our evalution showed that the impact of M.leidyi on structure of zooplankton community was assessed as massive (C4).During summer and fall seasons that biomass of M.leidyi was higher than 50%, only A.tonsa exist, but during spring and winter seasons that biomass of M.leidyi was decreased and more species have a chance to exist. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

Present study analyzed the stomach contents of individuals belonging to five fish’s species in order toInvestigate seasonal changes in feeding strategy and diet composition in the South coast of the Caspian Sea (Gilan and Mazandaran provinces) from late March until late May 2010 using the research ship Gillan and fishing with batoom trawl nets and fishing blades insoles bony fishes in the depths of less than 60 meters. The average length and the total weight of Rutilus frisii kutum, Rutilus rutilus caspicus, Cyprinus carpio, Liza auratus and Liza saliens respectively were 36/9 ± 8/5 cm , 562/9 ± 353/2 g, 23/2 ± 3/2 cm , 202 ± 101/6 g, 24/6 ± 8/1 cm , 249/8 ± 242 g, 32/2 ± 8/9 cm , 320/9 ± 242/8 g, 22/7 ± 2/6 cm and 82/9 ± 52/2 g repectively. Using the method of Shorygin and Costello highly nourishing food strategy and different species of fishes were studied. The results of this study showed that Rutilus frisii kutum fed generally of Balanus and Cerastorderma In order of importance after Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Crabs, Fish eggs, Filamentous alge in GI Rutilus frisii kutum presence, but feeding it of Bivalvia (in particular Cerastorderma) was much more than the other food. The results of present study showed that under the influence of compatibility and behavioral mechanisms, ecological, physiological and nutritional importance of Rutilus frisii kutum Bivalvia. The results of studies were showed that Bivalvia was feeding the dominant Rutilus frisii kutum , while the results of this study showed that despite Bivalvia present importance in feeding the of this species, it seems that its presence in such digestion decreased. As well as the dominant food of Rutilus rutilus caspicus was fish, but generally from Detrite fed. This study showed that feeding the dominant species of Cyprinus carpio, Liza auratus and Liza saliens of Detrite was. The most important food items after ditrit for the Cyprinus carpio in order of importance include the Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Oligochaeta, Abra ovata, Nereis, Fish eggs, Filamentous alge, was. The Liza auratus dietary habits also showed that after ditrit the most importance in nutrition related to Foraminifera, Porifera and Balanus, and for Liza saliens to Gastropoda, Bivalvia and Porifera. The results showed that the mullet the greater the intensity of feeding fishes than other species were, Rutilus frisii kutum in between of Cyprinidae the greater the intensity of feeding fishes than other species were (0/05 > P). The values of this indicator in the lower longitudinal in all fish species investigated were more than high longitudinal groups. The feeding intensity at different times of sampling for all species investigated showed that in all species at times extremely reduced the reproductive index (0/05 > P). As well as the diversity foods in the lower longitudinal in all fish species investigated were more than high longitudinal groups. In conclution, our results demonstrated Food strategy have changed based on physiological changes, metabolismi activity, behaviour, and the amount of food available. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

After the arrival of the invasive species (Mnemiopsis leidyi) in the Caspian Sea (in 1999) significant changes have been occurred in the ecosystem. In the present study, the data concerning the period 1996 to 2010 (extracted from the relevant research projects) were analyzed. The period was classified into two phases, before and after the species invasion (1996 and 2001-2010). In our study, the impact of the invasive species on the structure of southern Caspian zooplankton communities was assessed during the period 2001-2010, quantitatively. The combination of abundance and distribution range of the species (ADR) during the period 2001-2009 and the year 2010 were evaluated as E (occurrence in high numbers in all localities) and D (occurrence in moderate numbers in all localities), respectively. Considering the obtained results, the year 2001, in which the relative biomass was more than 90 percent, could be considered as the expansion phase and the following years (2002-2010) as the adjustment phase. With regards to the loss of the keystone and some other native species after the invasion of M. leidyi (2001 to 2010), the impact of the invasive species on the structure of southern Caspian zooplankton communities was assessed as massive (C4).

This study was to assess the silver carp diet compositionduring grow out period. The experiment was conducted in a well-managed fish farm located at Mazndarn province from 2012 to 2013. Totally five samples from the pond water and also silver cap intestines were collected in May, April, Jun, July, August and September of 2012. The results showed that there are five phyla of phytoplankton in the ponds including: Phyrophyta, Bacilluryophyta, Cyanophyta, Clorophyta, Oglenophyta. A comparison of phytoplankton populationindicated a significant differences throughout the five sampling sessions (P

Big-scale sand smelt is one of the fishes with high ecological value, which consume by fishes such as sturgeon in the Caspian Sea. In this study, 191 samples of Big-scale sand smelt from southeast coast of the Caspian Sea were collected seasonally from December 2013 to September 2014. In the present study, food items and the relative index of gastrointestinal (RLG), stomach emptiness index (VI) and feeding intensity (IF) were determined. The fork length, weight and age (mean ±SD) were 7.70 ± 1.09 cm, 3.64 ± 1.49 g and 2.00 ± 0.81 year, respectively. This fish with a relative gastrointestinal tract length of 0.46 ± 0.06 (mean ± Standard Deviation) can be considered as a carnivorous fish. The average of empty stomach was 45% showing big-scale sand smelt is a relatively voracious feeder. The average intensity of feeding (mean± Standard Deviation) 535±221.21, as a moderate level for this fish in the region. Gammarus (benthos) and Daphnia (zooplankton) were the favored food for this fish. This study also showed opportunistic hunting activities of this fish.

This survey was conducted from Babolsar to Bandar-e-Torkaman in the southern part of the Caspian Sea. Specimens were collected from commercial catches (Beach seine net, mesh size 5 mm). Sampling was carried out monthly (from Sep. 1993 to Sep. 1994) to evaluate the biological characteristics, including total and fork length, weight, age, gonad weight and sex. The results indicated that the scales and operculum were suitable for determining the age though the operculum gave better results than the scale. Since the first annulus has not appeared on the scale and it is very difficult to distinguish annuli on the scales of old specimens. This study also shows that the maximum growth rate is belong to the age of 3 years. The b value regression between fork length and weight was 2.940. The relation between scale radius and circuli number, and growth were: C = 4.609 R 0.8282, L_(t) = 322.4 [1-exp^(-0.361(t+0.013))]. Sex ratio was 1:3.14 and female dominated. The Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) indicates that the spawning activity occurs on July-August. Males ripen earlier than females. Furthermore the numbers of circuli in different ages and condition factor (k) relation between total length and fork length and between age and weight were obtained.

This study was to investigate the possibility of pellet production for grow out common carp considering attractiveness and stability of the pellets. The experiment consisted of two periods and was conducted at the Caspian Sea ecology research center in 2011 and 2012. In period one, two types of pellet with similar protein level (31%) and different energy contents (3000 and 3500 cal/g) were formulated by the ingredients used in fish feed industry. In period two, 316 juvenile carp with initial weight of 27.9g were assigned randomly to 9 fiberglass tanks (4×4×1 m), with three replicates for each treatment. The fish were fed by three diets throughout the eight weeks study , two diets were formulated in the current study and third one was a commercial carp diet with 25% protein. The results showed that feeding with diet containing 31% protein and 3500 cal/g energy led to a feed conversion ratio of 3, but this value was recorded 1.9 for commercial diet. The type of diets was also influenced (P

This study was to investigate the possibility of pellet production for grow out common carp considering attractiveness and stability of the pellets. The experiment consisted of two periods and was conducted at the Caspian Sea ecology research center in 2011 and 2012. In period one, two types of pellet with similar protein level (31%) and different energy contents (3000 and 3500 cal/g) were formulated by the ingredients used in fish feed industry. In period two, 316 juvenile carp with initial weight of 27.9g were assigned randomly to 9 fiberglass tanks (4×4×1 m), with three replicates for each treatment. The fish were fed by three diets throughout the eight weeks study, two diets were formulated in the current study and third one was a commercial carp diet with 25% protein. The results showed that feeding with diet containing 31% protein and 3500 cal/g energy led to a feed conversion ratio of 3, but this value was recorded 1.9 for commercial diet. The type of diets was also influenced (P

Caspian Kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum, Kamensky 1901) is among the main commercial species in the Caspian Sea. The present study aimed to determine the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of Kutum in depth ranges of 10 to 100 m by bottom trawl net in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea during 2008 to 2010. The results showed that the maximum catch and CPUE were 2903 kg and 57.08 kg/0.5 h in winter 2009. The minimum catch and CPUE were 79 kg and 1.41 kg/0.5 h in spring 2010. During the warm seasons (spring and summer) most Kutums occurred in depths less than 20 m. While, during cold seasons they occurred at all depths. The average (±SE) CPUE was 94.0 ± 78.53 kg/0.5 h in depths 20-50 m in autumn and 128.3 ± 77.64 kg/0.5 h in depths >50 m in winter.

The beach seines catch and effort data from 1996 to 2011 categorized in four periods and used in this research. Geographical coordinates of beach seines determined by portable GPS and distribution maps of important and commercial species prepared by catch per unit effort (CPUE). The concentration of beach seines in the western coast of Golestan province, Kiashahr area and eastern part of Anzali was more than another part. The daily effort in Kiashahr and Anzali area was very high, thus the fishing stress in these areas was more than another part of Iranian coastal waters of the Caspian Sea. The number of species in catch composition increased from east to west and the beach seines of Guilan province had total of commercial species, but the number of commercial species rarely was five species in Golestan province and especially in eastern coast. Relative frequency and distribution of Kuttum in the east Babolsar area and then between Sepidroud and Anzali lagoon were more than another part. The ISI index of Kuttum was high in all of the area except east coast of Golestan province. The main distribution of Mullets determined in the western coast of Golestan province and the Amirabad fishing area and in these areas, the ISI index of Mullets was high. The main distribution area of common carp determined in east coast of Golestan and the ISI index of common carp was very low in other parts. Density and distribution of Kolmeh were high in eastern and western coasts of Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea and the density of this species was very low in Mazandaran province. The density of Zander was very high in surrounding of Sepidroud River and Anzali lagoon. The ISI index of commercial species in Guilan province was more than other provinces except Kuttum, mullets and common carp. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

The project of the Study on fishing and resource management of fisheries within Southern Caspian Sea was conducted on the base of an agreement made between fisheries organization (Shilat) and the Iranian fishery research organization (IFRO) signed in 2010. In this library-based study the current situation of bony fish fisheries and biology of these species has been surveyed in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea . In this survey internal and external environmental factors of bony fishes activities were considered. Using SWOT analysis method, current situation of fisheries was investigated..One of the most important strategies for conserving anadromous species such as Caspian kutum , common carp, roach, bream and …. is rehabilitation of the natural spawning ground in rivers, coastal lagoon specially Anzali lagoon .By conducting this strategy not only restocks of bony fishes is done ,but also reduced the cost of artificial restocking programs and releasing fingerlings .In short term , it is nessesary to enhance the stocks of the species that have low catch is done by huge releasing of the fingerlings and study the qualification of the program.

The main objective of the present study was qualitative and quantitative assessment of anchovy stock, Clupeonella engrauliformis in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea during (1995- 2011). Over this period, total catch of anchovy kilka increased from 32000 tonnes in 2005 to 67000 tonnes in 1999 and decreased sharply to 80 tonnes in 2011. In the years 1995-1999, catch per unit effort (CPUE) was fairly constant (2.92-3.52 tonnes/(Vessels×Nights) which fell to 0.01 tonnes/(Vessels×Nights) in 2011. Total biomass and spawning stock biomass (SSB) had the same trend as CPUE. During 1995-1999, total biomass of anchovy kilka ranged between 158500-185900 tonnes which dropped to 2000 tonnes in 2007. The SSB showed a downwardtrend from 105500 tonnes in 1997 to 1950 tonnes in 2007. In age compositions of the catch, age 3+ was the largest age group. From 2001 to 2003, age 2+ predominated. Finally, number of young specimens declined and age 6+ and 7+ groups were predominated in the last years. Present study indicated that the situation of the anchovy kilka is critical. A coordinated international effort is needed to provide implementation of sustainable management and responsible fishing activities in the whole Caspian Sea.

The project of the Study on fishing and resource management of fisheries within Southern Caspian Sea was conducted on the base of an agreement made between fisheries organization (Shilat) and the Iranian fishery research organization (IFRO) signed in 2010. The study has several phases. The final report of the fishery on fishing and resource management of fisheries within Southern Caspian Sea (Gilan, Mazandaran & Golestan provinces) is consisted of several sections such as: 1- The Survey status of biology and catch of Kilka fishes , Bony fishes and Estrogen fishes and also the status of aquatic resource conservation in the Southern part of Caspian Sea 2- Fishing analysis in the Southern part of Caspian Sea 3- Fisheries development Strategies, policies and plans in the Southern part of Caspian Sea In this survey and library-based study, internal and external environmental factors of shilat activities are considered. Using SWOT analysis method, current situation of fisheries is investigated. In this regard, all fisheries activities were divided into four groups, then, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and treats of internal and external environment will be analyzed. A considerable number of tables and matrixes were prepared and policies and strategies as seen of final report were carried out.

The main objective of the present study was qualitative assessment of Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum Kamensky 1901) stocks by using indicators of overfishing, condition factor and relative weight in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea during a long period (1991- 2011). Three fisheries indicators in catch were: 1) percentage of mature fish, with 100% as target; 2) percent of specimens with optimum length, with 100% as target; and 3) percentage of mega-spawners, with 0% as target, and if no upper size limit exists, 30-40% as representative of reasonable stock structure. Over this period, the condition factor and relative weight had a decreasing trend. The range of length with optimum yield was between 40 and 48 cm. The mega-spawner measured as fish a size larger than 48 cm. According to these three indicators, the percentage of mature (fork length>40cm), optimum size and mega-spawners were 62.0, 40.9 and 12.5% in 1991-92 which decreased less than 50, 38.2 and 8%, in the years 1992-2011, respectively. The length structure is a matter of concern. Therefore, for reservation and rebuilt of kutum in the Caspian Sea, the target was to let all (100%) fish spawn at least once, using bigger mesh size in cod end (e.g. 35mm, during whole fishing season). The aim was also to implement a fishing strategy that result no (0%) mega-spawners being caught, and the main catch focus on optimum length.

Reproduction period, spawning peak and sexual maturity in anchovy kilka were investigated during the year 2006 for sustainable yield assessment in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea. The mean fork length, total weight and age were 118±5.9mm, 11±1.7g and 4.6±1.2 year, respectively. Mean (±SD) absolute fecundity was 12625±5533 ovules. More than 50 percent of the fish specimens matured when their length exceeded 92.5mm. The results showed that reproduction of anchovy kilka occurred in autumn, and spawning occurred throughout the year and especially in winter. The length and age ranges were found to be shortened compared to the past years with many older fish and less younger ones (< 2 years) in the catch which sharply decreased recruitment. This phenomenon is thought to be due to overfishing synchronized with invasion of M. leidyi pushing kilka to spawn in winter, which all cause collapse of anchovy kilka stocks in the Caspian Sea. We postulate that anchovy kilka has adopted the strategy of spawning year round to mitigate the negative effects of overfishing and invasion of M. leidyi.

This paper aimed to investigate the fishery and biological characteristics of anchovy Kilka in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea from 2005-2007, including length and age structure ,Von Bertalanffy growth parameters, length and age at first capture, condition factor, sex ratio, natural and fishing mortality. The examination of catch data approved that Kilka population in the Caspian Sea have been declined a few years ago following entrance jellyfish Ctenophora Mnemiopsis leidyi. The greatest destruction of anchovy kilka catch was occurred while the catch of anchovy from 4250 tonnes in 2005 reached to 924 tonnes in 2007. The results showed that K value and L∞ calculated 0.375/year, 131.7mm, respectively. The instantaneous coefficient of natural mortality was estimated 0.49/year. The instantaneous coefficient of fishing mortality and total mortality was 0.51/year and 1/year, respectively. The Exploitation rate was calculated as 0.51. The length and age ranges restricted comparison to last decade and sharply decreased recruitment. In the past few years, the main reasons of disintegrates among anchovy Kilka stocks in the Caspian Sea were synchronized overfishing competitive anchovy Kilka with M. leidyi.