Karcheghbyur Fish Farm Can Produce 10-30 Million Fry Annually

My workday began in the Gegharkunik region with a visit to the salmon fry breeding facility at Lake Sevan and Karcheghbyur fish farm, where the release of approximately 280,000 fry of Gegharkunik salmon, bred with state funding, was also planned. This was reported by the Minister of Environment, Romanos Petrosyan, on his Facebook page.

Due to the drop in the level of Lake Sevan, the inconsiderate, reckless use of fish stocks without taking into account the possibilities of natural reproduction has led to the total destruction of winter salmon and loach, while summer and Gegharkunik salmon have been preserved in insignificant quantities; the salmon is deprived of natural self-reproduction opportunities. The preservation and reproduction of fish stocks in Lake Sevan and other vital issues are at a critical stage, demanding efforts and immediate interventions through appropriate programs aimed at solutions. The state not only regulates commercial fishing but has also embarked on preserving and increasing fish stocks.

In this context, the fund for the "Restoration of Sevan Salmon Stocks and Development of Fish Farming" is implementing the comprehensive program approved by the Government for the "Restoration of Salmon Stocks and Development of Fish Farming in Lake Sevan," wrote the Minister of Environment.

R. Petrosyan noted that his visit began with the net cage facility, where he became acquainted with the possibilities and discussed several important issues related to the restoration of the ecosystem of Lake Sevan with the representatives of the operating company.

“There are 12 main nets available, with a total maximum production capacity of approximately 1,000 tons per year. The farm currently has about 220 tons of total biomass, with various sizes of fish, as well as around 70,000-80,000 fry of a very rare subspecies, summer loach, intended for release into nature,” wrote R. Petrosyan.

During the tour of the Karcheghbyur fish farm, the Minister of Environment became acquainted with the production capabilities, which can yield 1 million fry weighing 50 grams in one cycle. “There is enormous potential here; by producing smaller sizes, it is possible to annually produce 10-30 million fry of different sizes. At the conclusion of the visit, I attended the release of the fry. The fund for the "Restoration of Sevan Salmon Stocks and Development of Fish Farming" released around 280,000 fry of Gegharkunik salmon into the rivers Karcheghbyur and Masrik flowing into Lake Sevan. The release of fry is a periodic process. The aim of all this is to restore the declining fish stocks of Sevan salmon in Lake Sevan over the years and, in this way, to stimulate the restoration of the disrupted ecosystem of Lake Sevan. In the near future, the release of winter salmon, loach, and snailfish is also planned. I emphasize that measures have been taken to ensure that the released fry do not fall into the nets of poachers. The newly formed special ranger unit of the "Sevan" National Park conducts strict and vigilant monitoring around the clock at the river mouths.

The preservation of Lake Sevan is a responsibility of each of us. Let us treat this invaluable natural monument with care. Let us pass it on to future generations unharmed,” wrote Minister of Environment Romanos Petrosyan.