BANDAR ANZALI, Gilan Prov. -- Fishers caught an sturgeon weighing about 370kg at the Caspian port of 'Bandar Anzali" in the northern Gilan Province.

An official of the Fisheries Department said that over 51kg of first grade caviar was extracted from the fish valued at over 51,000 euros.

He added that these types of fish are generally rarely caught. This is the first big sturgeon catch of the season, IRNA reported.

Iranian exports of highly prized caviar have declined 60 percent since March compared with the same period a year before, a senior official said, blaming the September 11 attack for the snag, press said in September.

Iran exported 70 tons of caviar last year, which earned euro 45.5 million. Europe is the major market for the Iranian caviar, accounting for 80 percent of the exports.