African catfish now established in Iraqi waters, fish farmers' head says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The African catfish has become permanently established in Iraq's rivers and water sources and can no longer be eradicated, the head of the Iraqi Fish Producers Association, Iyad al-Talebi, has said. Al-Talebi said the species entered Iraqi waters before 2023 and has since spread across many areas, including the Third River, Dalmaj marsh, Hilla branch, Euphrates River and the Iskandariya district, as well as in the Kurdistan Region. The fish, which preys on the offspring of native species, is now being consumed in the western marshes and in Saladin and Nineveh provinces, according to al-Talebi. He noted that the catfish can help clean organic pollutants and serve as a protein source in fish feed production. The Ministry of Environment said it has prepared a national map in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, universities and local administrations to monitor the species' spread. The ministry said the fish, which tolerates low oxygen and high temperatures, has a competitive advantage over native species. The government's plan calls for environmental monitoring programs, field surveys, the creation of a national database, the promotion of selective fishing in high-density areas, and public awareness campaigns. Environmental groups have warned that the species' reach into the southern Dalmaj and Huwayza marshes is increasing its impact on biodiversity and fish stocks.