Iraq: Mass Fish Die-Off in Lake Darbandikhan Raises Environmental Concerns

Iraq: Mass Fish Die-Off in Lake Darbandikhan Raises Environmental Concerns
……………

Authorities in Darbandikhan district, Sulaymaniyah province, reported the death of approximately 6,000 fish in Lake Darbandikhan, sparking environmental concerns. According to an official statement released on September 1, 2025, the incident was not caused by disease, toxins, or legal violations. Instead, the die-off resulted from overcrowding in fish farming cages, where maturing fish were unable to exit after partial harvesting.

The dead fish, mostly of the “Chatka” species, weighed between 50 and 60 kilograms. Specialized teams have been assigned to collect and dispose of the carcasses using scientific methods to minimize health and environmental risks. Lake Darbandikhan is a vital water source in the Kurdistan Region, used for various purposes including aquaculture, prompting ongoing monitoring by local authorities.