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The age, growth, relative condition factor, and reproduction of Planiliza abu (Heckel, 1843) from the Al-Diwaniya River, Iraq was described in samples obtained from October 2016 to September 2017, using different fishing gears. Total length and weight were measured, scales were used for age determination, and gonads were excised from the body cavity sexed and weighed. The lengths of the species ranged from 7.0 to 20.0 cm, and the most dominant length group was 13.0 cm. The length-weight relationship was W=0.0199*L2.821 revealing a negative allometric growth (b= 2.821). The mean relative condition factor (Kn) was calculated as 1.13 for females and 0.93 for males. Four ages were recognized for the species with mean total lengths of 10.2, 14.5, 39.0, 17.2 and 19.3 cm, respectively. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters based on back-calculated lengths were L∞= 23.4 cm, K=0.38 and to= -0.27. The growth performance index (Ø) of the species is computed as 2.32. The overall sex ratio (male: female) was 1:1.70. The gonad-somatic index (GSI) values of both sexes were highest in April, 8.5 for males and 11.6 for females and the lowest values in August, 0.22 for males and 0.75 for females, indicated that the spawning period was from April to May. Some biological properties such as lengths of individuals, negative allometric growth, ages from 1 to 4 years, values of ultimate growth (L∞) and growth performance index (Ø) and overall sex ratio were among those described for the species in other waters. These results can contribute to providing information for species management in the study river.

The stock assessment of Klunzinger's mullet, Planiliza klunzengeri was conducted, to estimate its some aspects viz. growth, mortality, recruitment, yield-per-recruit and virtual population analysis in Iraqi marine waters, northwest Arabian Gulf, Iraq, from February 2020 and January 2021. The population parameters were analyzed by the FiSAT software using monthly length-frequency data collected by the Shaheen dhow and from the artisanal fishermen at the fish landing site in Al-Fao city to derive information required for their management. A total of 3319 individuals of P. klunzingeri ranged from 11.0 to 27.0 cm have been collected. Length-weight relationship was calculated as W= 0.026L2.716. The asymptotic length (L∞), growth rate (K) and the growth performance index (Ø') were 29.8 cm, 0.34 and 2.48, respectively. The rates of annual instantaneous of total mortality (Z), fishing mortality (F), natural mortality (M) and present exploitation (Epresent) were 1.19, 0.84, 0.36 and 0.30, respectively. The recruitment pattern of P. klunzingeri was continuous throughout the year, with one peak during May. The results of virtual population analysis revealed that the majority of P. klunzingeri were harvested between 14 cm and 19 cm. The length at first capture (L50) in the current study was higher than the length at first maturity (Lm) of the species in the region. The Epresent was below the biological target reference points (E0.1= 0.770 and Emax= 0.903), referred to the stock of P. klunzingeri is underexploited. Therefore, the harvest level should increase to its maximum sustainable yield level by increasing fishing effort level with monitoring surveys and evaluate the risk associated with fishing effort increases as fishing precautionary approaches.

In this study, the population dynamics of the Arabian yellow fin sea bream, Acanthopagrus arabicus in the Iraqi marine waters, Arabian Gulf were assessed, to contributing towards the development of management plans for its sustainable exploitation. A. arabicus is one of the species caught in large quantities as commercial by artisanal fishers. Fish samples were collected by the Shaheen steel-hulled dhow and from the artisanal fishermen from February 2020 to January 2021. The length-weight relationship was described as W = 0.030L2.867, indicating a negative allometric growth pattern. Of 3484 individuals ranging in total length from 13.0 to 41.0 cm were used to evaluate the growth and mortality parameters. The asymptotic length (L∞), growth rate (K) and growth performance index (O') were 44.6 cm, 0.34 and 2.830, respectively. The total mortality (Z) was calculated as 1.17, while the natural and fishing mortality rates were 0.75 and 0.42, respectively, and the current exploitation rate (Epresent) was 0.36. Length at first capture (L50) was 21.9 cm. The recruitment pattern occurs throughout the year, with two recruitment peaks. The yield per recruit analysis indicates that the current exploitation rate was below the economic yield target and the maximum sustainable yield, indicating that this stock underexploited. Virtual population analysis results showed that the mid-lengths (16-22 cm) experienced the highest fishing mortality. So, for management purposes, more yields could be obtained by increasing the fishing activities on this species for a substantial harvest.

The growth, mortality and stock parameters of greenback mullet, Planiliza subviridis from Iraqi marine waters, northwest Arabian Gulf was assessed using FiSAT II software for length-frequency data collected from February 2020 to January 2021. P. subviridis is one of the species caught in large quantities as commercial by artisanal fishers. Fish samples were collected by the Shaheen steel-hulled dhow and from the artisanal fishermen. The total length and body weight relationship of fish was estimated as W= 0.034L2.670, indicating negative allometric growth. Of 3350 specimens, growth and mortality parameters were evaluated. The asymptotic length (L∞), growth rate (K) and growth performance index (Ø') were 33.8 cm, 0.30 and 2.535, respectively. The total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality rate (M), and fishing mortality rate (F) were 1.11, 0.74 and 0.38, respectively. The present exploitation rate (Epresent) of P. subviridis computed as 0.34. Length at first capture (L50) was 17.47 cm. Recruitment of P. subviridis was observed throughout the year, with a peak during July. The yield per recruit analysis indicates that the current exploitation rate was below the biological target reference points (E0.1 and Emax), which refers to the stock of P. subviridis is underexploited. Virtual population analysis results showed that mid-lengths (16-22 cm) experienced the highest fishing mortality. The length at first capture (L50) was higher than the length at first maturity (Lm) of the species. So, for management purposes, more yields could be obtained by increasing the fishing activities on this species for a substantial harvest.

Cichlid species invaded the Iraqi waters in the mid-2000s and are now dominant fish species. The present study was carried out to investigate the age and growth of two cichlid species, Oreochromis niloticus and O. aureus in Garmat Ali River, Iraq from October 2019 to September 2020. A total of 2707 specimens of O. niloticus ranging from 7.0 to 25.5 cm and 1664 of O. aureus varying from 7.0 to 26.3 cm were examined which were captured by various fishing gears. The length-frequency distributions revealed that fish lengths (13.0-18.0 cm) formed 64.1% of the total catch of O. niloticus and 67.2% of O. aureus. The length-weight relationships were W=0.012*L3.109 for O. niloticusand W=0.015*L3.075 for O. aureus, and both species indicated positive allometric growth. The highest values of the relative condition factor were obtained during spring and the values decrease when length of two species increase. Seven age groups were determined for O. niloticus: 9.9, 12.9, 15.6, 17.9, 19.4, 20.4 and 22.2 cm, and for O. aureus: 9.3, 12.5, 15.2, 18.0, 19.4, 21.3 and 22.2 cm. The theoretical maximum length (L∞) was 29.2 cm for O. niloticus and 28.6 cmfor O. aureus. These results can assist in fisheries management and conservation of the fish species in Iraqi waters.

The present study is investigated the diet composition, feeding activity and intensity, and trophic niche breadth of two Sillaginid fish, Sillago sihama and Sillago arabica at the south of the Shatt Al-Arab River, Iraq from May 2019 to April 2020. A total of 511 specimens of fish comprised of 239 S. sihama and 272 S. arabica were used for the study. Fish length ranged from 11.7-23.7 and 13.0- 31.2 cm of the previous species, respectively. The results showed that the feeding activity and intensity influenced by months since the lowest stomach fullness occurred during the winter months. The analysis of diet for both species using the index of relative importance (IRI %) of prey items showed that the species were carnivores. The prey items of S. sihama were crabs (80.8%), shrimp (14.6%) and fish (4.6%), while the diet of S. arabica composed mainly on crabs (54.3%), shrimp (32.7%) and fish (13.0%). The overall values of feeding and vacuity indices were 40.4% and 9.5%, respectively for S. sihama, whereas 52.0% and 18.2%, respectively for S. arabica. Based on the results of trophic niche breadth indicate that S. schema is a high specialist feeder (Bi= 0.23), while S. arabica was considered a non-specialized feeder (Bi= 0.71). The study concludes that both species were carnivorous feeders, feeding mainly on crabs, shrimp and fish. S. sihama was a low specialized feeder, while S. arabica was not specialized.

The study was conducted to analyze the fish landings from Iraqi artisanal marine fisheries, northwest Arabian Gulf from January 2017 to December 2019. The monthly data of fish landings were collected from the main landing site at Al-Fao port, south Iraq and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 35 taxa in 18 families were identified in the artisanal catches, in addition to two species of shrimps. The highest total landings were 11,944 t in 2018 and 11,305 t in 2019. The annual total landing of the marine fisheries increased by 270% during 2017-2019 as compared with the annual landing during 2008-2016. Threadfin bream contributed 14.1%, followed by river shad (11.1%) and mullets (11.1%), whereas shrimps formed 15.2% to the total catch. The overall values of biomass diversity of fish ranged from 1.82 in 2017 to 2.85 in 2018. There were 320 registered fishing boats motorized by 65 to 950 hp. Multi gears fishing were observed. The trends of the landings of all fish groups were increased substantially, except river shad, threadfin bream and shrimps. The study suggests some of the management measures must be put into place, especially for the river shad in the regions of their migration reproductive and the nursery.

The blue tilapia, Oreochromis aureus is an invasive species that has successfully established itself in most of the Iraqi waters. However, there is little information on the population dynamics of the species in these waters. Hence, the growth parameters, mortality rates, probability of capture, recruitment pattern and yield per recruit of blue tilapia in Garmat Ali River, Iraq was assessed using FiSAT II software. A total of 1664 blue tilapia fish were collected by different fishing gears from October 2019 to September 2020 for recording the relevant data. The length-weight relationship obtained was W=0.0147*L3.0748 for fish ranging from 7.5 to 26.3 cm total length suggesting that the species shows positive allometric growth. The asymptotic length (L∞), growth constant (K), theoretical age at zero-length (t0), growth performance index (Ø') and longevity (tmax) were 29.9 cm, 0.205, -1.293, 2.345 and 10.7 years, respectively. The total mortality (Z), natural (M), fishing (F) and exploitation (E) were 1.09, 0.61, 0.48 and 0.43, respectively. Length at first capture (L50) was found to be 13.92 cm. The main recruitment pulse was from March to July with a peak in April, which account for 18.4% of the total recruitment in the year. The relative yield per recruit analysis revealed that the present exploitation rate (Epresent) for blue tilapia was below than the biological target reference points (E0.1 and Emax), which denotes that this stock was not over-exploited. For management purposes, higher yields can be achieved by reducing the mesh sizes of the nets during fishing.

The population dynamics of the crucian carp, Carassius auratus in the Shatt Al-Arab River, Iraq was studied from November 2015 to October 2016 with monthly samples collected by different fishing gears. The FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tool (FiSAT II) software was used for the mathematical analysis. Length-weight relationship was calculated as W= 0.0149L3.065 for fish length 4.6 to 26.8 cm. Growth parameters L∞, K and Ø were computed as 29.1 cm, 0.51 and 2.635. The total (Z), natural (M) and fishing (F) mortalities were 2.69, 1.09 and 1.60, respectively. Exploitation rate (E) was 0.59. Length at first capture (Lc) was found to be 10.04 cm. C. auratus displayed one main pulse of annual recruitment. The relative yield per recruit analysis revealed that the exploitation rate (E) of C. auratus was higher than the biological target reference points E0.1 and equivalent to Emax. It could be concluded that the C. auratus stock in the Shatt Al-Arab River is operating nearby the exploited situation and needs some precautionary measures to avoid the overexploitation by activating the national law of fishing, exploiting and protecting aquatic resources, in particular preventing illegal fishing methods and follow up the execution of the closed season to prevent the decline of our fish resources.

The current status of species composition, total catch, fishing effort and their landing trends in six fish landing locations in the inland waters of Basrah province, Iraq from 2017 to 2019 were assessed. A total of 15 species in 5 families were recognized in the inland fisheries. The maximum total catch was 2061.5 t in 2019, whereas 1740.7 t in 2017 and 1804.2 t in 2018. The total catches show a clear increasing trend from 2017 to 2019. Cyprinus carpio dominated the overall catch (29.2%), followed by Planiliza abu (16.2%) and tilapias (15.4%). There are positive trends in the catches of all species, except P. abu and Luciobarbus xanthopterus. The highest trends were for Leuciscus vorax and Carasobarbus luteus. The overall values of biomass diversity of each species ranged from 2.10 in 2017 to 2.01 in 2018, whereas 2.11 in 2019. About 75% of the fishing boats (2140 boats) was without engine propelled by paddles in the lengths of 3.5 to 5.0 m. The study suggests some management measures must be put into place include the enforce fish regulations in the Basrah inland fisheries, in particular, preventing illegal fishing methods, and increasing fish production by releasing fingerlings of cyprinid species to preserve them and protect them from extinction and overfishing.

Cichlids are invasive fish to Iraqi waters and became well established and prevailing in different waters. Despite that, there is no stock assessment study conducted for these fish. So, growth, mortality, recruitment and yield-per-recruit of two cichlid’s species; Coptodon zillii and Oreochromis aureus from the Shatt Al-Arab River, Iraq were evaluated from November 2015 to October 2016 using the FiSAT software. A total of 1285 C. zillii (2.9-24.0 cm TL) and 1353 O. aureus (4.5-25.0 cm TL) were examined. Length-weight relationships were derived, indicating allometric growth for both species. The growth parameters (L?, K, Rn, to and ?) obtained for C. zillii were 25.5 cm, 0.320, 0.212, -0.793 and 2.318, respectively, while for O. aureus were 27.8, 0.490, 0.214, -0.271 and 2.578, respectively. The annual rate of total mortality (Z), fishing (F) and natural (M) for C. zillii was found to be 1.51, 0.84 and 0.68 respectively, and for O. aureus 2.49, 1.08 and 1.41, respectively. The present exploitation rates (Epresent) for C. zillii and O. aureus were computed to be 0.454 and 0.57, respectively. Lengths at first capture (LC) were 12.97 cm for C. zillii and 13.25 cm for O. aureus. The peaks of recruitment of C. zillii and O. aureus were from February to May and May to July, respectively. The Epresent for C. zillii and O. aureus were below the biological target reference points (F0.1 and Fmax), indicating that these species were not overexploited. For management purposes, more yields could be obtained by an increase in the fishing activities on cichlids.

Carassius auratus is an invasive species that has successfully established populations throughout Iraq. Unfortunately there is no information available regarding the biological properties of the species in Al-Diwaniya River, Middle Euphrates, Iraq. So growth, reproduction and food habit of C. auratus were investigated in this river from November 2016 to October 2017. Length groups of the fishes from 19 to 21cm were prevailing the catch and formed 30.8%. Length-weight relationship was calculated as W= 0.013L 3.129 for all individuals, with allometric growth. The condition of the fish increased in early spring. The maximum age recorded was 5 years with 30.1 cm. The parameters to the von Bertalanffy growth curve fitted to mean total lengths at age were L?= 43.0, K= 0.225 and to= - 0.412. The index of growth performance (?) was 2.612. The unbalanced overall ratio of males to females was 1:3.81. Higher values of gonado-somatic index (GSI) for males and females occurred in early spring. C. auratus is an herbivorous, with a diet that includes algae (52.6%), macrophytes (22.0%), diatoms (15.8%), crustacean (4.8%) and aquatic insects (4.8%). Our results highlighted basic biological aspects of the invasive C. auratus which can assist in fisheries management and conservation of the fish species in Al-Diwaniya river.

Some biological characteristics of shabbot, Arabibarbus grypus (Heckel, 1843) in the Al-Diwaniya River, middle of Iraq were studied from October 2016 to September 2017. Water temperature ranged from 10.2oC in March to 32.8oC in August. A total of 853 fish were caught by seine, gill and cast nets and electro-fishing. A. grypus constituted about 6.27% of the total fish catch. The length-weight relationship was W=0.021*L2.7548 revealing an allometric growth. The mean relative condition factor was 0.91. Five age groups wore recorded and their mean total lengths were 20.2, 32.0, 39.0, 43.9 and 48.4 cm, respectively. The growth model of the species was Lt= 58 [1-e -0.39 (t-0.313)]. The growth performance index (Φ) of A. grypus was computed as 3.11. The study declares that the species is a omnivore, feeding mainly on aquatic plants, insects, algae and detritus. The overall sex ratio (female: male) was 1.47:1. The highest values of gonado- somatic index (GSI) were 4.20 for female and 1.78 for males in April. The fecundity of the species ranged from 75600 to 124200 eggs.

The present study objectified to evaluate the trophic relationships among 14 fish species (10 natives and 4 non-natives) in the Shatt Al-Arab River, considering the trophic niche breadth and the diet overlaps of the species. The food items in the stomach of each species are determined by adopting the index of relative importance (IRI). The dietary analysis revealed a total of 12 types of major food items consumed (which represent >10% IRI). Two species (Oreochromis aureusandCptodon zillii) were herbivores consumed mostly macrophytes, algae and diatoms. Four species (Planiliza abu,P. klunzengeri,P. subviridisandOsteomugil speigleri) were herbivores mainly fed on diatoms, macrophytes, detritus and algae. Three species (Carasobarbus luteus,Carassius auratusandCyprinus carpio) were omnivores mostly consumed macrophytes, detritus, diatoms and algae. Two species (Tenualosa illishaandNematalosa nasus) were filter feeders fed largely on zooplankton, algae, detritus and macrophytes. Three species (Acanthopagrus arabicus,Johnius belangeriiandJ. dussumeiri) were carnivores mainly preyed on shrimps, crabs and fish. Levin’s index diet breadth analyses divided the studied fish species into three categories; two species with high specialization, five species with low specialization, and seven species with generalization feeders. The dietary composition of fish species exhibited 62 diet overlaps as indicated by the Jaccard index, eight of them high, 36 moderate and 18 low overlaps. OnlyJ. dussumeiriandJ. belangeriihave no diet overlap with other species. Overall, the study demonstrates that most trophic overlaps between species were moderate, but high degree overlap was between the native species (C. luteus) and invading species (C. auratus) and therefore strengthen earlier conclusions regarding interspecific competition between these two species.

The study was conducted to estimate the growth, mortality, recruitment and yield-per-recruit of Oreochromis niloticus from Garmat Ali River, Basrah, Iraq from October 2019 to September 2020. The population parameters were analyzed using the FAO-ICLARM stock assessment tool (FiSAT). A total of 2696 O. niloticus ranged from 7.0 to 25.0 cm and the sizes 13.0-18.0 cm constituted 64.2% of the total catch. The length-weight relationship was W= 0.012L3.109 suggesting that the species shows positive allometric growth. The growth parameters for the species were estimated as L∞= 30.45 cm, K= 0.45, to= -0.313 and Ǿ= 2.622. The coefficients of total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) were 3.26, 1.03 and 2.24, respectively. The exploitation rate for the species computed to be 0.69. Fish were recruited to the fishery at a mean size of L50= 14.92 cm. The peak of recruitment was 23.51% in June. The analysis of yield-per-recruit (Y/R’) indicates that stock is not being overfished since the present exploitation rate was below the biological target reference points (E0.1 and Emax). So, more yields could be achieved by reducing the mesh sizes of the nets for fishing the species

The blue tilapia, Oreochromis aureus (Steindachner, 1864) is exotic fish and became widely distributed throughout different natural waters of Iraq during the last years. The present study describes the length compositions, age, growth, reproduction and food habit of the species in the Garmat Ali River from September 2018 to August 2019. A total of 1050 specimens were caught using gill nets, cast net, and electro-fishing. The lengths of O. aureus ranged from 6.6 to 22.9 cm, and the most dominant lengths were 14.0 to 18.0 cm representing 61.6% of the catch. A positive allometric growth pattern was observed for males (b= 3.317), females (b= 3.231) and all individuals (b= 3.283). There were three peaks for relative condition factor (Kn) that appeared during October, April, and July for both sexes. The age estimated on the basis of scales showed that the population comprised of 1 to 5 years. The parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth curve were L∞= 27.6 cm, K= 0.193 and to= 1.18. The growth performance index (ø) of O. aureus was computed as 2.17. The overall sex ratio (male: female) was1:1.04. Females attained sexual maturity at a lower size than males with mean size at first maturity determined as 6.6 cm for females and 9.2 cm for males. Two peaks of the gonado-somatic index were shown, the higher one in April and the lower one in September in both sexes. The estimated fecundity ranged from 352 to 1033 eggs in the fish ranging from 12.2 to 20.5 cm in length. O. aureus is an opportunistic feeder that will successfully utilize whatever food source is available, its diet comprised of detritus (43.1%), diatoms (23.9%), algae (22.8%), macrophytes (7.1%) and crustaceans (6.0%). The results highlighted basic biological features on invasion fish species which can assist in fisheries management and conservation of the fish species in Iraqi waters.

In 2018, a serious changes in the salinity of the Shatt Al-Arab river, as salinity intrusion progressed further to upper reaches of the river due to sharply decline in river flow. Therefore, the fish assemblage structure in the middle of the river, from Sindbad and Abu Al-Khasibs was assessed during the period from January to December 2018. Fish were sampled by gill nets, cast net and electro-fishing from both sites. Salinity fluctuated from 2.0‰ (January) in both sites to 16.2 and 25.0% during August in both sites, respectively. 35 and 44 fish species were collected from both sites, respectively, these included 18 marine species in first site and 28 marine species in second site. Poecilia latipinna, Tenualosa ilisha and Oreochromis aureus were the dominant species in first site, whereas O. aureus, Carassius auratus and P. latipinna in second site. The index of species richness, diversity and evenness each showed a consistent seasonal pattern in both sites. The highest value of Bray-Curtis similarity index of fish species between both sites was noted during the period of low salinity. Findings indicate that the salinity values and the percentages of marine and occasional species were considerably higher than that documented in the previous studies on this part of the  river.Â

The first record of Carasobarbus sublimus from the upper reaches of the Shatt al-Arab River is reported based on 7 specimens (119–170 mm TL) collected from the area 60 km south of Qurna City, where the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers merge. This species has not been recorded from Iraq although it is a native species to neighbouring Iran. Morphometric and meristic data are provided in addition to a set of new characters introduced for the first time in the present study comparing C. sublimus with a similar species C. luteus. A possible explanation for the presence of C. sublimus in Iraqi waters is given.

The occurrence of the King nase, Chondrostoma regium (Heckel, 1843) is reported for the first time from the Shatt Al-Arab River, Iraq. Four specimens of C. regium were caught by gill nets in 12 th July 2016. 25 morphometric and 16 meristic measurements were applied to describe the species. The results showed that the morphometric and meristic data were successful in identifying of C. regium and confirm the presence of the species in the Shatt Al-Arab River.

Food composition and feeding relationships of four mullet species, Planliza abu, P. subviridis, P. klunzingeri and Osteomugil speigleri from the Shatt Al-Arab River, Iraq, were assessed during 2016-2017.Fish were captured by gill nets, cast net and electro-fishing. The index of relative importance (IRI%) of food item was determined by combined the frequency of occurrence and points methods. Monthly variations in feeding activity and intensity of all species were observed. All species were herbivorous and P. abu and P. klunzingeri were considered non-specialized feeders, while P. subviridis and O. speigleri were low specialist feeders. P. abu fed mainly on diatoms (38.6%), high plants (21.7%), algae (15.9%), detritus (15.3%), fish eggs (6.9%) and zooplankton (1.6%).The diet of P. subviridis constituted from diatoms (42.2%), high plants (20.9%), detritus (17.7%), algae (15.9%), zooplankton (2.0%) and fish eggs (1.8%). P. klunzingeri fed mainly on diatoms (35.5%), high plants (29.3%), detritus (16.4%), algae (13.4%), fish eggs (4.1%) and zooplankton (2.4%). O. speigleri were consumed mainly diatoms (52.0%), detritus (17.8%), algae (16.6%), high plants (10.7%), zooplankton (2.5%) and fish eggs (2.4%).Similarity dendrogram among fish species based on their diet showed high significant overlaps among the mullet species. It means that these species might be in direct competition for food in the Shatt Al-Arab River.

The white tongue jack, Uraspis helvola (Forster, 1801) was recorded for the first time in the Iraqi marine waters, northwest Arabian Gulf. The samples were collected during the period from January 2014 to June 2015. U. helvola differed from other carangid fish species by tongue, roof and floor of mouth are white to yellowish and other parts are dark, and the anal fin spines embedded. Gill rakers ranged from four to five on upper limb and 12 to 13 on lower limb of first gill arch. The DNA fingerprint was identified of U. helvola by using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (PCR-RAPD) with six primers: P1 (212), P2 (239), P3 (244), P4 (250), P5 (265), and P6 (347). The number of bands generated by primers was 51 and the size of bands ranged from 110 to 1440 bp.

The stock of freshwater mullet, Liza abu (Heckel, 1843), in the East Hammar, Huwazah and Chybaish marshes, south Iraq, was assessed between October 2005 and September 2006. The relative abundance of the species formed 35.9, 37.1 and 62% of the total catches in the three marshes, respectively. Length–weight relationships calculated for L. abu were: W = 0.0149 L 2.899 (East Hammar), W = 0.0132 L 2.910 (Huwazah) and W = 0.0252 L 2.662 (Chybaish). Mean values of relative condition factor were 1.00, 1.02 and 0.98 for the three marshes, respectively. Growth and mortality parameters estimated for the species were L∞ = 23.2cm, K = 0.37, Z = 2.125, M = 0.903 and F = 1.222 (East Hammar), L∞ = 21.1cm, K = 0.44, Z = 1.688, M= 1.055 and F = 0.632 (Huwazah) and L∞ = 20.0cm, K = 0.41, Z = 2.297, M = 1.006 and F = 1.291 (Chybaish). The stock of L. abu in the Huwazah marsh was unexploited (E = 0.375), while those of the East Hammar and Chybaish marshes were overexploited, E = 0.575 and 0.562, respectively. It is necessary to enforce immediate fishing regulation measures on the fish stock in the investigated locations and this can be assessed by activating the national law of fisheries management.

The characteristic of fish assemblage in the restored Chybayish marsh was described in the time of 3 years after restoration. As much as 14 species were caught from October 2005 to September 2006. Detritovorus species, Liza abu was the most abundant species, followed by Carassius auratus and Barbus luteus. Fish species diversity indices were lower than in other restored southern marshes which may reflect the still degraded environment of the marsh and decreased productivity of vegetation. Diets varied among fishes. Most of them depended on two or three major foods, and five principal pathways of energy flow in the food web. Currently, restoration by reflooding of drained marshes is proceeding and the ecological effects of this massive water diversion needs elaborated research. Some solutions to retain water in the marsh even in the unfavorable climatic conditions have been suggested.

Al-Hawizeh marsh is one of the largest wetlands in south Iraq. During last two decades, 65% of a permanent marsh was drained and it led to a substantial loss of native aquatic flora and fauna. The marsh was reflooded in April 2003. The characteristics of fish assemblage in this marsh were described after three years of the restoration. A total of 4715 fishes of 15 species were caught since October 2005 to September 2006, using different fishing gears. The fish species in the marsh were divided into resident, seasonal and occasional groups. Liza abu was the most abundant species comprising 37.1% of the total numbers followed by Barbus luteus (29.4%), Carassius auratus (15.3%), Alburnus mossulensis (4.88%) and Aspius vorax (4.14%). Fish species diversity index ranged from 0.88 to 2.1, richness from 0.73 to 2.42 and evenness from 0.49 to 0.85. The diet varied among the fish species, most of them depended on two or three major food items. Several cyprinid species disappeared from the restored marshes or decreased in their abundance. This could be related to reduced water supply and effectively eliminated the spring flood pulses that sustained wetland ecosystems in the lower Tigris-Euphrates basin. Increase of salinity, scarcity of benthic food resources and competition with alien/introduced species have also detrimental effects on native cyprinid fishes.