Iraq releases 155 million fish fry into waterways in 2026, ministry says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture said it has released 155 million fish fry into natural water bodies since the start of 2026, a 65 percent increase over the previous year. Ministry spokesperson Hatem Al-Khudair said the program is carried out through the Livestock Department and follows an organized schedule prepared by the ministry. The fry are distributed across rivers, water pools and drainage channels, according to the spokesperson. Al-Khudair said last year's program involved the release of 95 million fry, including fingerlings, juveniles and newly hatched fish, with this year's figure rising to 155 million. The ministry official said the increase supports domestic production and helps replenish fish stocks. No further details on the program's budget, species or specific release locations were immediately available.