Irbid, July 19 (Petra)-- The Northern Jordan Valley Agriculture Directorate has called on fish farmers to follow technical and preventive guidelines to maintain fish health and reduce losses during the summer season, as high temperatures affect water quality and fish production.

Director of Agriculture Mohammad Al-Nuaim said the rise in temperatures requires daily monitoring of fish ponds, maintaining water quality and regularly checking dissolved oxygen levels, particularly during early morning hours. He noted that water renewal or additional aeration should be considered when oxygen levels decrease.

He also stressed the importance of providing feed in suitable quantities and avoiding overfeeding. Farmers should stop feeding when fish show signs of stress or when oxygen levels decline, while removing leftover feed and dead fish immediately to prevent water pollution and limit disease spread.

Al-Nuaim highlighted the importance of monitoring fish daily to identify any signs of disease or behavioural changes, reporting suspected cases to the relevant authorities and maintaining appropriate fish densities in ponds to reduce stress and support growth.

He also called for ensuring the readiness of pumps and aeration equipment through regular maintenance and providing alternative power sources in case of electricity interruptions. In addition, he stressed the need for regular water quality checks, including temperature, pH levels and ammonia concentrations.

The director urged farmers to prevent pollutants and agricultural pesticides from reaching fish ponds and to follow biosecurity measures, including disinfecting equipment, to reduce the spread of diseases between ponds.

He said improving the sustainability of fish farming contributes to safe production and supports food security efforts.

//Petra//WH