Small fish fry have been released into the Small Redwood Bay

On September 26, 2020, representatives of the IDEA Public Union, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and the State Tourism Agency participated in a ceremony dedicated to the anniversary of the establishment of the Gizilaghaj National Park, releasing juvenile mullet fish into the Small Gizilaghaj Bay of the Caspian Sea.

Within the framework of the “Rich Reservoirs” project jointly implemented by the IDEA Public Union and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, fingerlings of silver carp, grass carp, and bighead carp were released into the Small Gizilaghaj Bay.

As is known, over recent decades, the natural populations of fish species in the country’s water bodies have reached the verge of extinction due to the negative impacts of human activities.

In this regard, under the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and leader of the IDEA Public Union, a number of significant initiatives are being implemented to protect and restore the aquatic fauna of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus region.

The “Rich Reservoirs” project envisages measures aimed at increasing the natural populations of fish species, releasing various types of farm-raised fish fingerlings into natural habitats, reducing pollution in inland water bodies, and promoting fishing in a legal and civilized manner.

It should be noted that the Gizilaghaj National Park, established on September 26, 2018, includes the Gizilaghaj State Nature Reserve and the entire Gizilaghaj Bay, and is considered the first protected marine area in the Caspian Sea.

Considering the rich biodiversity of the Gizilaghaj National Park, in November 2019, at the initiative of the IDEA Public Union, the national park was designated as a Hope Spot for the salvation of the world’s waters.

Hope Spots are ecologically unique marine areas declared within the framework of the international conservation campaign by the “Mission Blue” organization.

The declaration of Hope Spots aims to gain global public support for ocean conservation and to progressively bring larger water areas under protection.

The marine area of the Gizilaghaj National Park is the first protected marine area in the Caspian Sea, the conservation of which is necessary for the survival of the world’s most critically endangered fish species.

The IDEA Public Union and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources call on citizens to actively participate in the protection of fish resources, prevent illegal fishing methods, and support the promotion and encouragement of responsible fishing.