Shafaq News-Baghdad
Iraqi markets arewitnessing abundant supplies of locally produced fish this season, particularlythe Qattan, Binni, and Shabout species, the Agriculture Ministry announced onSunday.
According to theministry, the increase is the result of ongoing efforts to preserve Iraq's fishresources through programs implemented by the Animal Resources Department tobreed native species at government hatcheries and release them into rivers andother water bodies. The initiative aims to strengthen national fish stocks whilepreserving native Iraqi species and ensuring their sustainability.
The AnimalResources Department's hatcheries produced more than 1.54 million native Iraqifish during the 2023–2025 seasons to increase domestic production, supportnational fish stocks, and improve the country's food security.
In June, Iraq launched fish exports to global markets forthe first time. Agriculture Minister Abdul Rahim Al-Shammari said the movemarks the beginning of broader efforts to boost agricultural production, assistfish farmers, and boost the national economy.