Caspian States Extend Sturgeon Fishing Ban Through 2026

The five Caspian littoral countries, namely, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, have agreed to extend the ban on commercial sturgeon fishing in the Caspian Sea through 2026.

The decision was made during the 9th session of the Commission for the Conservation and Rational Use of the Caspian Sea’s Aquatic Bioresources, held in Turkmenistan, The Caspian Post informs via Russia’s Federal Agency for Fishery.

As before, sturgeon catch next year will be allowed only for scientific research and artificial reproduction purposes.

The Caspian states also plan to introduce unified fishing regulations for the entire Caspian basin, a move expected to improve the sustainable management of shared aquatic resources and strengthen conservation efforts.

During the session, representatives of the five countries additionally agreed on catch limits for shared aquatic bioresources for 2026.