Water supply in Iraq is in a dire state, with the United Nations ranking it as one of the five countries most impacted by climate change. The effects of climate change, including a devastating four-year drought, have led to a severe water crisis in the country. As a result, trade-offs and government measures are being implemented to meet the country’s demands. These measures include restrictions on water use, crackdowns on illegal practices, and the closure of unauthorized fish farms, such as the one owned by Omar Ziad, a villager from Al-Bu Mustafa in Iraq’s central Babylon province.
Ziad, along with his family, used to rear carp in their fish farm, earning a significant income from it. However, their fish ponds were sealed by officials from the water resources ministry, leaving them devastated. The closure of unauthorized fish farms has also resulted in a shortage of carp in the market, causing prices to almost double. The scarcity of water has led to dry patches of land replacing the fish ponds, with only a few authorized ponds still holding water.
Iraq’s water supply has reached a critical point, with declining rain and rising temperatures causing the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to reach staggeringly low water levels. The construction of upstream dams by neighboring countries Turkey and Iran has also been blamed for exacerbating the situation. Khaled Shamal, spokesman for the water resources ministry, stated that Iraq’s strategic water reserves are at their lowest point in almost a century. He attributed part of the blame to water-intensive irrigation practices and emphasized the negative impact of unauthorized fish farms on water conservation efforts.
To address the water crisis, authorities have closed approximately half of Iraq’s estimated 5,000 unlicensed fish farms. However, Ayad al-Talibi, president of the Iraqi association of fish farmers, questioned whether the saved water is being properly utilized. He expressed concern over the significant decline in fish production, leading to unemployment and potential migration to urban areas ill-equipped to handle the influx.
In addition to the negative impact on fish farming, the water crisis has also affected river fishing, particularly in the Shatt al-Arab waterway in Iraq’s far south. High salinity resulting from decreased fresh water flow has harmed fish populations in the region. Fisherman Khdeir Aboud noted the loss of various fish species due to the intrusion of saltwater, making it difficult for fishermen to earn a decent income.
The water crisis in Iraq has severe consequences for both the livelihoods of its residents and the environment. Urgent measures need to be taken to address the impacts of climate change and ensure sustainable water management for the country’s future.
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Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
