No unusual fish die off in Euphrates, Anbar Environment Directorate says

ANBAR — The Anbar Environment Directorate on Wednesday denied reports of unusual fish kills near the old bridge on the Euphrates River, stating that inspections showed no signs of environmental issues in the area.

In a statement, the directorate said, “The Anbar Environment Directorate, represented by the Fallujah Environment Division, confirms that there have been no cases of abnormal fish deaths near the old bridge on the Euphrates River. The aquatic environment in the area is sound.”

Dr. Sinan Jafar, director general of the Environmental Protection and Improvement Department, said the procedures aim to “preserve fish resources and reinforce adherence to environmental and legal standards.”

Qais Naji, head of the Anbar Environment Directorate, said a field team visited the location and gathered feedback from local residents. “No fish die offs have been observed in the past few days,” he said.

The directorate called on all fishermen to follow legal fishing methods and avoid using toxic bait, electric shocks, or other unauthorized tools. It added that any violations will be subject to legal action.

In early June, a mass fish die off in Hor Ibn Najm was caused by falling water levels that led to dangerously low levels of dissolved oxygen, according to a report released by the Najaf Environment Directorate.

Iraq is grappling with its worst water crisis in decades, with national reserves at their lowest levels in 80 years following a dry rainy season. Officials have pointed to climate change, drought, and upstream dam projects in Turkey and Iran as major contributors to the crisis.

In January, large oil slicks had been spotted floating on the Al-Mishkhab River in Najaf, causing fish deaths and raising environmental concerns. Residents reported a strong smell of oil and took to their boats to investigate, discovering extensive patches of oil contaminating the water.