Basra: The College of Agriculture at the University of Basra conducted a scientific seminar titled “The Dangers of the Invasion of African Catfish into Iraqi Water Bodies: Environmental Challenges and Integrated Management Mechanisms.” The event focused on the potential threats posed by the invasive African catfish to the local aquatic environment.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the seminar was attended by professors, researchers, and specialists in fisheries and aquatic environments. The Dean of the College of Agriculture, Dr. Sarmad Ghazi Mohammed Al-Shawi, was also present. The seminar featured three scientific lectures that addressed the dangers of the African catfish spread, its impact on biodiversity, and its morphological differences compared to local fish species. Discussions also included potential uses of the species for animal feed and fishmeal production.

Recommendations from the seminar included forming a national committee to manage the issue, supporting field surveys, organizing selective fishing campaigns, and providing incentives for fishermen to help curb the spread of the species. The seminar called for further biological studies and specialized research to develop integrated strategic plans aimed at limiting the spread of invasive species. This would help protect biodiversity, enhance local fish stocks, and preserve economically important local fish species, ensuring sustainable fishing and environmental protection in the Basra Governorate.