Gangs, smugglers, poison? Iraq's dead fish kick up stink

Fishermen blame groups with alleged links to fish importers for poisoning local supplies

Published: September 02, 2020 10:40 AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

1 of 10

Poisoned water, illegal dams and even armed clashes: these days, fishing for precious barbels in Iraq's majestic river marshes involves navigating precarious waters. Image Credit: AFP

2 of 10

For centuries, civilisations in southern Iraq have made a living from farming and fishing the whiskered, carp-like fish native to the twin Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Image Credit: AFP

3 of 10

Thousands of tonnes floated up to the surface of the wetland - dead. The causes of the mass premature deaths remain unclear, but marsh-based fishermen have some theories. Image Credit: AFP

4 of 10

Fishermen blame groups with alleged links to fish importers for poisoning local supplies, although they did not specify what substance may have been used. Image Credit: AFP

5 of 10

It's not Iraq's first riverine disaster: in 2018, fish farmers alleged their stocks were poisoned after millions of carp, used in the national dish masgoof, died. Image Credit: AFP

6 of 10

This year, a preliminary study by the agriculture ministry ruled out any viral or bacterial cause, so allegations of foul play are again floating to the surface. Image Credit: AFP

7 of 10

One speculative theory swirling among Iraqis is that Turkish and Iranian companies that usually import seafood stocks into Iraq had paid people to deliberately poison the marshes or disrupt water flows. Image Credit: AFP

8 of 10

The marshes are home to rich flora and fauna, migrant birds and huge water buffalo, whose milk is made into a creamy cheese eaten at Iraqi breakfasts. Image Credit: AFP

9 of 10

Hassan al-Rusha, a buffalo herder in Wasit, said poisoned waters killed 50 of his flock and caused more than 135 miscarriages of pregnant buffalo. Image Credit: AFP

10 of 10

There could be long-lasting damage to the marshlands' biological diversity, warned Diwaniyah's environmental commissioner Raghad Abdessada. | The chief of the local fishermen's union sails across the Delmaj marsh in Iraq's southern province of Diwaniyah Image Credit: AFP

Photos News

Gangs, smugglers, poison? Iraq's dead fish kick up stink

More From Photos

EU announces $1 bn in aid for Lebanon to shore up economy

Hamas-Israel war: Doubts grow over Gaza ceasefire plan as Israel awaits Hamas response

In pictures: Rain, thundershowers across the UAE

5.3 magnitude earthquake hits Iran, no effect felt in UAE

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Gangs, smugglers, poison? Iraq's dead fish kick up stink

More From Photos

EU announces $1 bn in aid for Lebanon to shore up economy

Hamas-Israel war: Doubts grow over Gaza ceasefire plan as Israel awaits Hamas response

In pictures: Rain, thundershowers across the UAE

5.3 magnitude earthquake hits Iran, no effect felt in UAE

GULFNEWS SECTIONS