Establishment, goals and visions of the department:

The Department of Fish and Marine Resources was established in 1971 as one of the main departments in the College of Agriculture / University of Basra due to the peculiarity enjoyed by the province of Basra and the southern region of Iraq in its possession of large bodies of water represented by the Shatt Al-Arab River and the marshes areas. Basra is distinguished by its geographical location that overlooks the Arabian Gulf. Therefore, the scientific objectives and scientific research paths of the department have taken the direction of studying the life components and environmental characteristics of these surfaces, determining the qualitative composition of fish communities, and carrying out pioneering projects in the field of aquaculture and fish farming in particular. Therefore, the department's research path has taken grants during the current stage due to the sharp changes in environmental characteristics and the increasing need for fisheries as a main source of animal protein. In order to keep pace with these variables in an elaborate mechanism, the department drew up a strategic plan for scientific research that includes three main axes: the study of the aquatic environment and its pollution, fisheries and aquaculture. Accordingly, the department’s scientific research process has been directed by the research activity of professors and graduate students’ projects according to these trends. It is not possible to identify any water body and its share of life support without the availability of sufficient analyzes of its non-living environmental characteristics, determinants, interactions and sources of influence. Fisheries have been exposed to serious dangers due to the multiplicity of pollution sources, low water levels, high salinity rates, multiple methods of overfishing, and the absence of clear visions by the concerned authorities on how to develop and develop fisheries and protect the current stock. Serious repair and calendar. In the light of the numerous estimates and studies that lead us to the conclusion that if the contents of the serious initiative are not strengthened, the improvement and development of fisheries cannot be reached to the level of the local market need. Therefore, there is a tendency towards intensifying studies towards fish farming, environmental improvement and ways to increase the productivity of the water area in fish farms and towards achieving These objectives: A hatchery has been established to multiply fish in the department to conduct research experiments and cross-breeding operations among fish species. There is a tendency to create similar units that deal with environmental matters for inland surfaces and marshes once the fundamental approvals are obtained from decision makers in the university and the ministry.

Study topics :

Life of fish and fisheries Aquaculture

fish feed

Fish diseases and parasites

fish technology

fish physiology

Pollution of the aquatic environment

Consulting areas:

Establishment and management of fish farms and hatcheries.

Manufacture of fish feed and augmentation of ornamental fish.

Assessment of the ecological status of fish populations.

Diagnosis and treatment of fish diseases.

Artificial insemination techniques for propagation of fish.

pollution and environmental poisoning.