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Iraq Fish Farms Devastated by Polluted Floodwaters
19 Apr
Summary
- Floods of untreated sewage devastated fish farms along the Tigris River.
- Farmers lost millions of dollars worth of fish stock.
- Infrastructure disrepair hinders wastewater treatment efforts.
Fish farmers in Iraq are facing ruin after a surge of polluted water devastated their farms along the Tigris River. Haidar Kazem, a 43-year-old farmer, lost 300 tonnes of carp destined for the popular grilled dish, masguf, when floodwaters from the Diyala River, choked with untreated sewage, entered his ponds on April 5. The loss exceeded one million dollars, leaving him with no other trade and no funds to restart his livelihood.
Authorities reported that over 1,000 tonnes of fish have been killed by the sewage stream. Years of drought have left the Diyala River low and polluted, but a recent heavy rainfall created a stronger current, pushing less diluted wastewater into the Tigris. This event has also led to restricted water supply in some areas, with documented cases of poisoning and rash. While authorities have vowed to improve wastewater treatment, decades of conflict have left Iraq's infrastructure severely damaged, impeding effective water management systems.
