Baghdad: The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed a significant surge in the availability of local Iraqi fish in markets this season, with a focus on catfish, barbel, and carp. This development is seen as a testament to the success of the Ministry’s initiatives aimed at boosting fish stocks, enhancing food security, and providing a wider range of options for Iraqi consumers.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry stated that this increased abundance is attributed to its continuous efforts to sustain fish stocks. These efforts are carried out through the Department of Animal Resources, which implements programs to propagate local fish species in government hatcheries and subsequently release them into rivers and other water bodies. This strategy not only supports the national fish stock but also plays a crucial role in preserving and sustaining indigenous Iraqi species.

The Ministry further revealed that the Department of Animal Resources’ hatcheries have successfully produced over 1,549,700 Iraqi fish over the past three seasons (2023-2025). This achievement is part of the Ministry’s broader plans to boost local production, fortify fish stocks, and reinforce food security across the nation.