Fao fish auction reopens with 27-ton catch after strike ends

BASRA, Iraq — The fish auction in Fao reopened on Tuesday after a strike that halted maritime transport and fishing activity in the southern Iraqi port district was called off. Fishermen headed into the Gulf at dawn and brought 27 tons of fish to the auction on its first day back in operation, local authorities said. Fao is one of Iraq's main fishing centers on the Persian Gulf, and its auction plays a central role in distributing seafood across the country. During the strike, fishing boats remained docked and no catches were recorded, disrupting both local fishing and inland supply. With the strike over, fish sales in Fao have begun returning to normal levels. Local officials said they expect catches and trading volumes to increase in the coming days as fishermen resume regular operations.