The Marine Science Center at the University of Basra organized a course entitled “Freshwater and Saltwater Crayfish Species and Methods for Assessing Certain Biochemical Parameters in Hemolymph.”

The course aimed to integrate aquaculture, pathology, and environmental biochemistry to assess the health of crustaceans as vital indicators of the aquatic environment.

The course, lectured by Dr. Ibtisam Mahdi Abdul-Sahib, included distinguishing between types of crustaceans in fresh and salt water and identifying their biological characteristics. It also covered bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases that affect these organisms (such as mycobacteria) and taught methods for measuring biochemical indicators in hemolymph (crayfish blood), such as hemoglobin and white blood cells, to assess their health status and level of exposure to environmental stress.

In addition, linking changes in these biochemical parameters to environmental pollutants (such as chemicals) and their impact on the health of crabs and humans.

Acquiring the knowledge necessary to develop measures to reduce the spread of disease and protect the aquatic environment and fishery resources.

Media and Government Communication Department