Description: A total of 120 samples of adult common Kilka fish (Clupeonella cultriventris) were collected during spring and summer from the southern coasts of Caspian Sea (Bandar Anzali and Babolsar). Fifteen sets of microsatellite primers were developed from Clupeidae being tested on genomic DNA of common Kilka. Allele frequency, observed and expected heterozygosity, FST, RST, FIS index were determined. Five primer sets as polymorphic loci were used to analyze the genetic variation in adults of the common Kilka population. Results revealed that average alleles per locus was 13.1 (range 5 to 22 alleles per locus in regions, Ne=9.5). All sampled regions contained private alleles. Average observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.348 and 0.877, respectively. Deviations from Hardy Weinberg equilibrium were observed in most cases. FST, RST and gene flow estimates in AMOVA and the genetic distance between populations indicated that the genetic difference among the studied populations was pronounced. The data generated in this study provide primary information on the genetic variation and differentiation in populations of Caspian common Kilka.

Description: Common kilka, Clupeonella cultriventris is an economic fish in Caspian sea and we investigate population genetic structure of common kilka in the South Caspian Sea costline (Mazandaran province) using microsatellite markers. Totally, 60 individuals of adult common kilka from two seasons were sampled. Eight sets of microsatellite primers were developed from American shad and Pacific herring tested on genomic DNA of common kilka. At this point only the five successfully used primer sets and were used to analyze the genetic variation in adultsof the common kilka population. Analyses revealed that average of alleles per locus was 11.7 (Na range 6 to 17 alleles per locus). Both of sampled seasons contained private alleles. Average observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.543 and 0.866 respectively. Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were in most cases (P〈0.01). Basis on AMOVA for both FST values among pairs them indicated a significant difference between the two seasons (P≤0.01). These results support the existence of different genetic populations along the South Caspian Sea costline (Mazandaran province) in different seasons.

Description: An Environmental Impact Assessment was undertaken to identify existing values and characteristics of physical, biological and socioeconomic resources within the area proposed for the Aquaculture development in BibiShirvan Ab-bandan (small storage dam). The proponent (Fisheries Department of Golestan province) intends to redevelop fish culture in a constructed water body which is used mainly by local farmers for storing water to meet crops water needs especially at dry periods of the year. The area being examined as part of this environmental impacts assessment is located approximately 40 km west of Gonbad city, Golestan province in northeast of Iran. The site located at 54° 47'- 54° 52' (East longitudes) and 37° 10'- 37° 11' (North latitudes). The Bibi Shirvan Ab-bandan sealed with an area of about 580 acres, is a collection of three distinct basins that are connected with each other at several points. At present, there are some problems for water supply and maintaining full reservoir levels which cause the Bibi-Shirvan reservoir have always been empty partly and farmers could not been utilizing all its capacity. At the operation phase, the supply water will be provided by pumping through the left coast of Gorgan river via an irrigation concrete canal which is constructed by the Organization of Jihad-e-Agriculture and also, two small streams namely Ghareh-tekan and Bayram-shally. For better management of fish culture it is proposed a plan, which increase the volume of the Bibi- Shirvan reservoir by heightens the circumference embankment and construction of the interior retaining wall that will divide the reservoir into smaller pieces of ponds. It also proposed the installation of other pumping stations on above mentioned streams to supply water for combined requirements of cultivated crops and fish culture. The total surface area and storage capacity of Bibi Shirvan reservoir will be about 500 hectares and 8.1 million cubic meters respectively, after the construction of embankments. Environmental impact assessment for the project in terms of design features is mandatory and subject to article 2, paragraph (e) environmental impact assessment regulations. There are some problems for developing optimized fish culture practices and operations in the area. The unknown ownership of reservoir, absence of official right of water allocation, limiting capacity of reservoir reduced surface area for fish culture , lack of hydraulic system structures for water supply control, and drainage are among the problems that restrict fish culture practices and will not allow to attain optimum production. Therefore, the proposed plan including improved methods and rehabilitation of embankments was placed on the agenda of the Golestan Province, Department of Fisheries. For optimization studies and achievements to update information using Geographic Information System (GIS), the maps of the study area were provided. Thus, in first step, the digital map with a scale of 1:500 to 1:2000 AUTO CAD format that shows the project location, have been constructed. General location map of the region, residential areas and villages, roads and other maps needed in studies using these layers were produced. Next, the outputs for Cartography maps were prepared using ARC GIS software. The spatial layers were performed by using the GIS soft-wares and advised which suggested by different expert teams (groups of soil and water pollution studies, social environment, economic and cultural, biological environment, climate and hydrology). The output of digital spatial data, spatial analysis and cartography as various maps, tables or diagrams and graphical analysis were used in the reports. Since implementing this Project could be created various impacts in different environments (physical, biological, socioeconomic and cultural) The EIA study was undertaken .For facilitate decision making process on project implementation, the modified matrix method has been used. In conclusion, the results of EIA matrices shows the action of Project with environmental mitigation measures (+410) is superior to no action Project (-79). It is therefore considered that the Bibi-Shirvan Project will have a minimal impact on the environmental values of the area. The Project will provide favorable overall positive outcomes for indigenous peoples and fish farmers in the region. Also, problems such as excessive migration of rural people, lack of employment and consequently low level of income and welfare of the people will be improved. Therefore, the Project with consideration of environmental mitigation measures is recommended .