Diwaniyah authorities crack down on illegal fishing and use of poisons

DIWANIYAH — The Environment Protection and Improvement Council in Diwaniyah announced on Tuesday that it is taking strict legal action against illegal fishing practices, particularly the use of deadly poisons.

Safaa al-Shukri, the Director of Media for Diwaniyah’s Environment Department, told Al-Iraqiya, the official state channel, that “the Environment Protection and Improvement Council has warned fishermen involved in using deadly poisons and other illegal fishing methods that severe legal measures will be taken against them to combat these unlawful practices.”

Al-Shukri highlighted numerous reports indicating that some individuals continue to engage in reckless fishing activities, which harm biodiversity and significantly threaten wildlife, particularly fish populations.

Environmental teams have intensified their visits to specific areas frequently targeted by violators, such as the al-Dalmij marshes and the villages of the Sunni district, he added.

Iraq has established laws to regulate fishing and safeguard its aquatic resources from illegal practices. One of the primary pieces of legislation is the Fisheries Law No. 48 of 1976, which sets out rules governing fishing activities, including the issuance of licenses, the protection of fish stocks, and the prohibition of harmful methods like using explosives, poisons, or electrical devices to catch fish.

Under Article 1, the law specifically bans the use of destructive methods such as chemicals, explosives, or electrical energy, as well as fishing gear that may harm fish eggs or fry. It also prohibits the pollution of water in ways that could damage aquatic life and the use of fixed gear that completely blocks the flow of water.

Using deadly poisons for fishing or hunting poses severe threats to the environment and public health. These poisons are non-selective, killing a wide range of organisms beyond the intended target species, leading to significant biodiversity loss. Entire ecosystems can be destroyed, as poisons indiscriminately harm plants, insects, amphibians, birds, and other vital species. Additionally, water bodies contaminated by these poisons impact all aquatic life, and the damage can spread to larger water systems, threatening the survival of numerous species.

Communities that rely on fishing for their livelihood suffer from depleted fish populations, leading to loss of income and increased poverty. This illegal and unethical practice undermines conservation efforts and sustainable use of natural resources, with poisons persisting in the environment and causing lasting damage long after their initial use.