Evaluation of fish assemblage environment in Huwazah marsh, Iraq using Integrated Biological Index

An Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) was used to assess the status of the fish assemblage of Huwazah marsh, Iraq from October 2005 to September 2006. IBI scores were calculated from 14 separate assemblage metrics based on the species richness, species composition and trophic guilds. After more than two years of restoration activities and improved water quality, the state of the fish community in Huwazah marsh was fair (IBI= 53.2%), and better than the other marshes after four years of restoration. The results revealed that no substantial improvements have been recorded during the late years of restoration, reflect that the environment is still fragile and need time to be recovering.