Fish food security in Basrah governorate, Iraq: An assessment of fish availability and per capita supply in 2024

Arafat Rajab Ahmed; Tariq Hameed Abdul Rasoul

Authors

Arafat Rajab Ahmed Department of Biological Evolution of Shatt Al-Arab & N.W. Arabian Gulf, Marine Science Center, Basrah University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3586-3733
Tariq Hameed Abdul Rasoul Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture

Keywords:

Food security, Per capita share, Seasonal variation, Basrah Governorate, Iraq

Abstract

Fish food security is an essential component of overall food security as fish represent a rich source of healthy and high-quality animal protein. The current study was designed to assess the contribution of fishery resources to support the food security in Basrah Governorate. Monthly data on fish quantities available in markets were collected across 10 districts in Basrah throughout 2024 alongside official census data. The study employed both destructive and inferential statistical analysis including per capita calculations, coefficient or variation, temporal trend analysis, and seasonal variations. Total annual fish quantity available in the markets reached 45,519 tons for a population of 3,388,398 resulting in an average annual per capita consumption of 13.43 kg. The findings revealed substantial spatial disparities across districts, ranging from 9.00-31.07 kg/capita/year with a spatial coefficient of variation of 53.7% pronounced seasonal fluctuation.

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