Our center, with the support of its administration and as part of its ongoing scientific activities, held a workshop on “Risks Surrounding Fish Resources in Iraq” on Monday, January 27, 2025. Organized by the workshop and seminar committee and managed by Assistant Lecturer Ali Kamel Wnas, the session was presented by Assistant Lecturers Suhad Hamza and Maab Riyad. The workshop highlighted the importance of fish resources in Iraq, emphasizing their role as a major source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, essential for a balanced diet. The presenters also noted the contribution of these resources to the local economy through job creation in fishing, fish farming, and related industries. The lecture aimed to identify the key factors contributing to the decline of fish resources in Iraq, including chemical and organic pollution, overfishing, and even the environmental impact of fish farming. Climatic factors, such as rising temperatures and altered water frequencies, were also discussed. A significant focus was placed on invasive fish species, recognized as a major environmental threat due to their competition with native species, disease transmission, and alteration of ecosystem structure. The primary recommendations from the workshop were: 1) Assessing the risks to Iraqi fish stocks requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders; and 2) Raising awareness and implementing effective protection measures are crucial to ensuring the sustainability of these resources for future generations. We wish our center’s teachers continued success in serving the community, science, and knowledge.
