Authorities give unlicensed fish farms in Aghjalar until November to comply

SULAYMANIYAH — More than 290 out of 300 fish farming projects in the Aghjalar sub-district of Chamchamal, Sulaymaniyah governorate, are operating without permits, according to the local Directorate of Agriculture. Authorities have warned these farms to obtain proper licenses by November or face serious consequences.

“Only 10 of these projects currently have valid permits,” said Saman Mohammed, Director of Agriculture for Aghjalar, in an interview with 964media. “Because they lack permits, most farms do not adhere to our guidelines and continue to operate outside the regulatory framework.”

The risks of operating without a permit were highlighted on August 12, when a fish farm in Aghjalar lost over 14,000 fish after a brief power outage caused a sudden drop in oxygen levels in the ponds. Agricultural authorities told 964media that the incident was a direct result of the farm not having a formal permit and failing to follow regulatory guidelines.

The 300 fish farms in Aghjalar encompass more than 1,000 ponds, yet many remain unregulated. In response, the Directorate has issued a warning to unlicensed operators, halting all approvals for new projects until existing farms comply with the law.

Jamal Hussein, director of animal resources in Sulaymaniyah, underscored the importance of regulation: “Many of these farms lack formal permits and proper oversight. We are working to simplify the licensing process to help these projects become compliant.”

Situated along the Little Zab River, which flows from Dukan Lake, Aghjalar’s fish farms benefit from a vital water source for their operations. However, local authorities are urging village leaders to help ensure all fish farm owners apply for the necessary permits. “We are making it as easy as possible for those seeking permits so that all projects can come under the proper oversight of the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources,” Hussein added.

Officials stress that fish farm owners must comply by November to avoid further action and to ensure their operations meet all legal and safety standards.