Azerbaijan.US
Locally sourced fish has become increasingly rare on Azerbaijan’s markets, with imports now accounting for more than 80 percent of the fish sold nationwide, according to traders and fishermen.
While fish stalls remain well stocked and consumer demand remains strong, vendors say the composition of supply has changed dramatically. Species traditionally sourced from the Caspian Sea, the Kura River, and the Araz River have largely vanished from market shelves over the past two years.
Traders report that domestic fish supplies declined gradually – first by half, then by smaller margins – before effectively dropping to near zero. Today, most fish sold in Azerbaijan is imported or produced in artificial pond systems using industrial feed.
Fishing Decline Across Regions
To understand the shortage, journalists visited Lankaran, once known as a major fishing hub along the southern Caspian coast. Local fishermen say both fish stocks and interest in the profession have declined sharply.
“Fish that used to define this region – kutum, mullet, and other Caspian species – are now rarely caught,” fishermen said. “What little is caught barely covers costs.”
Similar patterns are reported in Mingachevir, located along the Kura River, where river fish such as bream and roach have seen the steepest declines. Fishermen note that while occasional catches still occur, overall volumes are significantly lower than in previous years.
In Tovuz, where locally caught fish once played a central role in daily diets, market stalls are now dominated by farmed and imported products.
Prices Rise as Supply Shrinks
The scarcity of local fish has also affected pricing. According to market data:
Premium local species sell for 20-25 manats per kilogram,
Locally farmed trout ranges from 18-20 manats,
Sturgeon products reach 25-45 manats,
Common species such as carp, whitefish, and shamaika range between 5-12 manats.
Vendors say demand typically rises ahead of holidays, but the availability of local fish continues to decline year after year.
Structural Shift in the Market
Industry observers note that the dominance of imports reflects a broader structural shift in Azerbaijan’s food supply chain. Fishing restrictions, declining natural stocks, and reduced incentives for small-scale fishermen have combined to push domestic fish out of the market.
As a result, Azerbaijan’s fish market increasingly relies on foreign suppliers and artificial aquaculture, raising questions about sustainability, rural livelihoods, and long-term food security.
