Fishermen sit along a riverbank using lines and simple gear
Iraq orders fishing ban during 2026 spawning season
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture announced Sunday a nationwide ban on fishing during the upcoming spawning season, detailing geographic zones, timelines and penalties aimed at protecting fish stocks and preserving ecological balance.
In an official directive issued by the Directorate of Animal Resources and the Fish Farming and Water Bodies Management Department, the ministry said fishing is prohibited in inland water bodies, including rivers, lakes and marshes, during specified periods that vary by region. The ban applies to all fishing methods and equipment, including nets and traps, unless a prior official permit is granted for scientific or research purposes.
According to the document, the first zone — covering Basra, Maysan, Dhi Qar, Muthanna, Qadisiyah and Najaf governorates — will be subject to the ban from Feb. 15 through April 15, 2026. The second zone, which includes Baghdad, Diyala, Salahaddin, Anbar, Babil, Karbala and Wasit, will be covered from Feb. 15 through May 1, 2026. The third zone, comprising Kirkuk and Nineveh governorates, will be under the ban from March 15 through July 1, 2026.
The ministry said marine fish and licensed fish farm species are exempt, provided their sources are officially verified. It warned that violators will face legal action under Law No. 48 of 1976, as amended, and related regulations, including confiscation of fishing equipment and referral to competent authorities.
“The ministry urges all fishermen to cooperate and adhere to the ban on fishing during the upcoming breeding season, in order to give fish stocks the opportunity to reproduce,” the statement said, adding that “preserving fish stocks is a guarantee for the sustainability of this vital resource for future generations.”
In the Kurdistan Region, the seasonal fishing ban will be in effect from March 10 to June 20, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, which also reaffirmed a year-round ban on fishing methods such as electric shock, chemicals, explosives and fine-mesh nets.