LU-MUN Holding
- Founded in 2017, LU-MUN Holding is a leading investment company in Azerbaijan.
- We focus on sustainable projects in agriculture, aquaculture, and food production.
- Our mission is to drive sustainable growth while advancing agricultural practices and protecting the environment.
Azerbaijan Fish Farm
- Azerbaijan Fish Farm LLC (AFF), a subsidiary of LU-MUN Holding, ,was founded in 2017.
- Pioneers in sturgeon breeding and caviar production, leading the way in sustainability.
- Producing caviar under the brand Baku Caviar, the world’s first sustainable Caspian caviar.
- Committed to caring for nature without compromising on pleasure.
About LMH & AFF
LU-MUN Holding (LMH), established in 2017, is an agricultural powerhouse specializing in fish and poultry farming. Its subsidiary, Azerbaijan Fish Farm (AFF), stands as a leader in aquaculture in Azerbaijan, renowned for its sustainable breeding of Caspian sturgeon and Caspian salmon, alongside world-class caviar production.
AFF takes pride in being the first to produce sustainable Caspian caviar under the Baku Caviar brand. Beyond caviar, AFF is deeply committed to preserving endangered sturgeon species through responsible farming practices and actively contributes to the natural repopulation of the Caspian Sea by restocking its waters with sturgeon.
The farm is home to an impressive variety of sturgeon species, including
-Beluga (Huso huso),
-South Caspian (Kura) Sturgeon (Acipenser persicus),
-Caspian Osetra (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii),
-Sevruga (Acipenser stellatus),
-Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus).
By combining state-of-the-art aquaculture technology with traditional methods, AFF ensures the highest standards of welfare for these iconic fish while playing a crucial role in preventing their extinction
Caspian Sturgeon A Vulnerable Species
- Caspian Sea and its tributaries are the natural habitat for the Caspian endemic sturgeons a large and prehistoric species.
- There is an increasing demand for Sturgeon caviar globally and in many cultures, sturgeon meat is considered as delicacy.
- Several key species like Beluga, Russian, and Persian sturgeons, as well as Sevruga are more susceptible to the consumption demand
- Conservation efforts are underway to protect sturgeon populations, including fishing quotas, habitat restoration, and captive breeding programs. However, these efforts are often undermined by illegal poaching, which remains a major threat to sturgeon survival. Despite regulations, poaching continues to deplete vulnerable sturgeon populations, driven by the lucrative black market for caviar.
Conservation Efforts In The Caspian Sea
- Azerbaijan Fish Farm LLC, LU-MUN Holding LLC and Azerbaijani Fish Farming Production Association are partnering towards the restoration of sturgeon population in the Caspian Sea and Kura river.
- LMH , AFF and AFPPA partnership allows to release sturgeon fingerlings into the Caspian Sea and Kura river very year.
- LMH and AFF is proudly committed to releasing ten fingerlings to the wild for each jar of caviar sold: 52,000 fingerlings were introduced to the wild last year alone.
- LMH and AFF is committed to farm only clean-DNA endemic Ponto-Caspian sturgeon species.
From Poaching To Responsible Conduct
- LMH and AFF are committed to reducing illegal sturgeon catch in the Caspian Sea and Kura River through targeted social and employment programs.
- LMH and AFF engage local “poachers” from the Caspian Sea and Kura River regions in professional training and educational programs, aiming to reduce irresponsible conduct toward nature and promote sustainable practices.
- LMH and AFF introduce sustainable aquaculture tools and solutions to these individuals, encouraging them to avoid the illicit catch of sturgeons and focus on responsible, environmentally-friendly alternatives that protect the unique ecosystems of the Caspian Sea and Kura River
Sustainable Aquaculture And Caviar Production
- Sustainable aquaculture practices provide economic dividends while ensuring environmental safety
- Supports conservation efforts of sturgeon population and protection of the ecosystem.
- Allows to produce high-quality fish and fish byproducts avoiding any risks to the ecosystem
- Implemented based on environmentally responsible values and data-driven research
- Prevents any possible harm by invasive species like warty comb jelly
- Responsible use of water resources
- We have employed over 20 former poachers, providing them with stable livelihoods and training in sustainable aquaculture practices, further reducing the pressure on sturgeon populations.
Respecting Fish Wellbeing
- The first sturgeon farm to implement best practices in aquaculture and sustainable caviar production.
- The only sturgeon farm in the world awarded the BAP ( Best Aquacultural Practices ) certificate.
- First sustanable Caspian caviar brand.
- AFF’s sustainable commercial fish farming replicates the life cycle of sturgeon in the wild
- Sturgeons are born in freshwater and then transferred to saltwater, mirroring their natural habitat requirements.
- AFF’s close-to-the-lifecycle approach allows to produce highquality, healthier and more nutritious fish and caviar
R&D Portfolio
- AFF laboratories partner with Baku State University (Azerbaijan) and Izmir High Tech Institute (Turkey) to identify the morphological variations of the Caspian sturgeon through molecular genetic analysis
- AFF and Baku State University develop DNA-based fish identification for Caspian sturgeons (Acipenseridae), Caspian Salmons (Salmo caspius)
- Tracking all the fingerlings released to the wild
- Collecting data about the migration and behavioral patterns
- Contributing to data-driven research
Conservation Efforts In The Caspian Sea
We lead the Cure the Kura project with the Swedish Anglers Association (SAA) and Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences (SLU) to conserve the endangered Persian Sturgeon. Through advanced fish tracking, we optimize hatchery releases, monitor sturgeon behavior and migration, and provide critical data to enhance ecosystem resilience.
Strategic Priorities
- Setting industry standards for sturgeon restoration.
- Restoring endangered endemic sturgeon populations.
- Studying the sturgeon genome for future conservation.
- Restoring biodiversity in the Caspian Sea and Kura River.
- Ensuring sustainable fisheries and long-term ecosystem health.
- Collaborating with global experts to advance research.
- Supporting climate goals through ecosystem restoration and carbon reduction.
- Innovating new technologies for sustainable aquaculture.
- Preserving sturgeon traditions with modern, sustainable practices.
- Engaging communities through education, jobs, and sustainable livelihoods.
- Developing eco-responsible products that meet new market demands
- Aligning market strategies with evolving consumer expectations for sustainability.
Our Climate Journey So Far
Ecosystem restoration: Release of sturgeon into the sea and river.
Increased fish biomass contributing to climate resilience
Pionereed green pilicies in the industry.
Application of renewable energy in the fish farming (solar plants)
Cure the Kura Project
