IRNA - The head of the Iranian Fisheries Organization said exports of aquaculture to the European and Asian countries in the first 9 months of the current Iranian year (started March 21), increased by 24% compared to the same period last year.

Hassan Salehi added, 'In 1978, the country's aquaculture production capacity was 32,000 tons per year which the amount increased to more than 1.2 million tons in 2017.'

The official noted that according to the Sixth Development Plan, more than 1.15 million tons of aquaculture should be produced in the country, which the country's Fisheries Organization is ahead of the schedule due to increasing its production.

The head of the Fisheries Organization said that the annual production of one million tons of fish in the sea is on the agenda of the organization and its study plans have been implemented.

Salehi added, 'Last year, Iranians in this sector produced 15,000 tons, and by the end of this year more than 30,000 tons of aquaculture will be produced in this country.'