Peregraf — Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture said Friday it has released 155 million fish into rivers, lakes, and other water bodies this year, marking a 65% increase from last year as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s fisheries sector and boost local production.
Ministry spokesperson Qusay al-Hattab said the releases were carried out through the Animal Wealth Directorate under a fisheries support project that achieved its planned target in full.
“The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Animal Wealth Directorate, achieved a 100% implementation rate within the fisheries support project,” al-Hattab said.
He said the fish were released into water bodies, rivers, and drainage canals according to a coordinated nationwide plan designed to replenish fish stocks and support the development of the fisheries sector.
According to the ministry, 95 million fish—including fingerlings, yearlings, and newly hatched larvae—were released in 2025. The total increased to 155 million this year, representing a 65% rise.
Al-Hattab described the initiative as one of the ministry’s key projects to develop fisheries resources and increase domestic fish production.