A doctoral dissertation at the College of Agriculture examines the composition of the fish community and certain life aspects of three fish species in the Tigris River – Al-Khalis District, Diyala Governorate.

The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala held a doctoral dissertation defense titled: “The Composition of the Fish Community and Certain Life Aspects of Three Fish Species in the Tigris River – Al-Khalis District, Diyala Governorate.”

Study Objectives

The study, presented by the researcher Ramadan Mutib Hameed, aimed to:

• Identify the fish species present in the Tigris River.
• Determine the monthly and total catch volume for each species.
• Classify species into dominant, seasonal, and rare categories.
• Establish a database on fish population numbers, lengths, weights, and their natural diet, tracking dietary changes across seasons.
• Assess the feeding behavior of fish to determine whether they are herbivorous, carnivorous, or omnivorous.

Key Findings

The study yielded several significant conclusions, including:

• The environmental conditions of the study area are conducive to the growth and reproduction of aquatic life, including commercially important fish species.
• The Cyprinidae family exhibited numerical and species dominance in the section of the Tigris River passing through Al-Khalis District.
• Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was the most abundant species in both number and weight across all study stations, alongside the capture of other economically significant species.
• The presence of certain fish species was influenced by specific environmental factors.
• The natural diet of fish varied with seasonal changes across all study locations.

Recommendations

The study recommends:

• Conducting further research on fish communities in the study area.
• Maximizing the utilization of the Tigris River for fish farming, given its vast area and the presence of economically valuable fish species.
• Recognizing the Tigris River as a natural reserve due to its economic significance and its role as a national resource benefiting the fisheries sector.
• Establishing hatcheries and fish farms for native species to provide fingerlings, ensuring the sustainability of fish populations in the river to meet the growing demand for fish meat.
• Enforcing regulations to prevent overfishing and banning fishing during breeding seasons to support fish stock conservation.