The Restoration Potential of the Mesopotamian Marshes of Iraq
Curtis J. Richardson|Peter Reiss|Najah A. Hussain|Azzam Alwash|Douglas J. Pool
Uncontrolled releases of Tigris and Euphrates River waters after the 2003 war have partially restored some former marsh areas in southern Iraq, but restoration is failing others because high soil water salinities. Nearly 20% original 15,000-square-kilometer area was reflooded by March 2004, extent unknown. High-quality water, nonsaline soils, densest native vegetation were found only remaining natural marsh, Al-Hawizeh, located on Iranian border. Although substantially reduced under current threat an dike, it has potential to be a repopulation center for region. Rapid reestablishment, productivity, reproduction flora fauna indicate probability successful restoration, provided wetlands are hydraulically designed allow sufficient flow noncontaminated flushing salts through ecosystem.
Science|PubMed