Title: Fishing gear and methods of the Lower Mesopotamian Plain with reference to fishing management
Abstract:Marine and freshwater fishing gear and methods are described from the lower Mesopotamian plain. In this region, there are four main fishing methods in the marshlands and three in the local marine habi...Marine and freshwater fishing gear and methods are described from the lower Mesopotamian plain. In this region, there are four main fishing methods in the marshlands and three in the local marine habitat. The most popular fishing technique in those areas is the use of nets. Both active and passive fishing gear are categorised in the studied area. Locally-designed fishing methods by Marsh Arabs are also described. Although the Marsh Arabs seem to stick to the traditional fishing gear and methods, such gear is not efficient enough to provide a catch that can maintain better income for the fishers. To the contrary, fishers operating in the marine habitat of the lower Mesopotamian plain use fairly up-to-date fishing gear and techniques. The marshland restoration plan through its ecocultural restoration steps will save the tradition and heritage of the Marsh Arabs in particular and the Iraqis in general by enabling the fishers to use their traditional fishing methods and gear whenever these are compatible with good conservation practices. The effect of each type of fishing gear and methods is discussed from a conservation point of view. In addition, several conservation issues were raised and discussed, i.e. non-target animals and by-catch. Nontarget animals were usually associated with the target animals and were usually caught with them and then destroyed. By-catch is usually thrown away into the sea or left on the bank of the marshlands after the net is pulled out. Responsibility for checking mesh size and issuing fishing licences at the present time is loose and not controlled. Fishers in both marshlands and marine habitat are currently working without any regulations.Read More
Publication Year: 2006
Publication Date: 2006-01-14
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 30
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