Under the patronage of the Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Prof. Dr. Ameera Mohammed Saleh, and the supervision of the Head of the Department of Animal Production, Prof. Dr. Hussam Jasim Hussein Bananeh, the Department of Animal Production organized a specialized scientific seminar entitled “The Status of Fisheries in Iraq and Pathways Toward Modern Aquaculture Systems.” The seminar was held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Department of Animal Production Hall.
The seminar featured a keynote advisory lecture delivered by Dr. Ibrahim Sattar Al-Saadi, a member of the Advisory Board for Livestock Affairs at the Office of the Prime Minister. His presentation addressed the current status of the fisheries sector in Iraq and its strategic importance in supporting national food security, highlighting the nutritional value of fish, key agricultural statistical indicators, self-sufficiency benchmarks, and the evaluation of fish farming projects. The lecture also emphasized modern and closed aquaculture systems, with a comparative analysis against traditional production methods.
The event included in-depth scientific discussions on the prospects for developing the aquaculture sector, the environmental and economic challenges it faces, and pathways for transitioning toward sustainable production systems aligned with global advancements and current national needs.
This seminar aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) through enhancing safe protein food production, Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by adopting modern aquaculture technologies that reduce waste and conserve resources, and Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting sustainable fish farming practices and preserving aquatic biodiversity.
At the conclusion of the seminar, organizers emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and advisory and executive bodies to advance the fisheries sector and support sustainable development pathways in Iraq.
