Baku, September 15, 2025.
The sharp decline of kutum stocks in the Caspian Sea is beginning to reshape Azerbaijan’s fish market, with traders and consumers facing rising prices and scarce supply.
Once a staple on Azerbaijani tables, kutum has now become a rarity. “Resources show that kutum reserves are extremely limited, which is why quotas are issued in small volumes. Every year, the availability of this fish on the market decreases,” said Jeyhun Aliyev, director of the Center for Fisheries and Aquaculture, in comments to BAKU.WS.
Market Impact
The limited catch means vendors struggle to meet demand. Industry insiders report higher wholesale prices and fewer stalls carrying the fish in Baku and regional markets. Consumers, meanwhile, are turning to alternatives such as carp and trout, which are more easily farmed.
Aquaculture as a Solution
To ease the pressure on natural stocks, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has transferred fish farms to the Center for Fisheries and Aquaculture, where breeding kutum in artificial conditions will begin. Authorities hope this move will stabilize supply in the long term.
For now, though, scarcity is driving up costs and raising questions about how sustainable Azerbaijan’s fish economy will remain without rapid investment in aquaculture.
