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Fishing has long been one of the most cherished pastimes in Deir Ezzor deeply rooted in the collective memory of its residents. The practice is closely tied to the Euphrates River — the city’s lifeline and spirit for generations. At sunrise, many amateur fishermen still head to the riverbanks with their simple rods and traditional tools, seeking moments of peace and enjoyment away from the noise of daily life.
However, this age-old hobby has faced serious challenges in recent years — most notably, the spread of destructive fishing methods using electricity and explosives. These illegal practices have led to a sharp decline in fish populations and caused extensive damage to the river’s aquatic ecosystem.
Many local fishermen affirm that such methods not only harm the region’s fish wealth but also deprive amateur fishers of the opportunity to enjoy their hobby safely and fairly.
In an interview with DeirEzzor24 Network, one fisherman known as Abu Raad said that they no longer find in the river what they used to catch years ago. Overfishing and illegal methods have wiped out many species, turning traditional fishing trips into fruitless efforts. He added that the use of electricity and explosives kills not only adult fish but also eggs and fry, threatening the extinction of several local species.
Amateur fishermen are calling on the concerned authorities to tighten monitoring of the Euphrates River, ban destructive fishing methods, and enforce environmental protection laws safeguarding the river as both a livelihood and a heritage for the people of the region.
Despite the difficulties, fishing enthusiasts remain devoted to their craft. To them, it symbolizes peace, patience, and harmony with nature. They hold onto the hope that the Euphrates will one day return to its former glory full of life and fish, restoring nature’s balance and reviving one of the city’s most beautiful and enduring traditions.
