1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

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By Spc. Ricardo Branch
1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – The fishermen around Lake Habbineya have had their livelihoods devastated by years of conflict in Al-Anbar province. The fishing industry was brought to a crawl because of high pas prices and damaged equipment, causing boats to bring in smaller catches.

The Soldiers of Company A, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor have taken steps to reinvigorate the fishing industry in the province by providing loans to the local fishermen.

"What we've done around here is provided loans to the fishermen in Qam and Al Angor to get them fuel and nets for their boats," said 1st Lt. Quintin Durden, fire support officer for Co. A. "This is like a small-business loan to get fishermen funded to make their own profit."

The idea arose when the Soldiers met with the sheiks from around the lake and learned that fishing was the main line of work. The first loan of $80,000 arrived in January to buy fuel and nets.

"The fuel is taken to a storage tank where the local sheik can give an amount to the fisherman," Durden said. "He (the fisherman) goes out then, catches his fish and returns to a fishing house that buys his catch."

The catch's taken to local markets where the fish house owner sells the catch to the community. The fish sell quickly because they are in high demand at the markets.

"This establishes a set price for the fish around the area, and helps the economy for the town where the fish are sold," Durden said.

Since the start of the project, the fishermen have become unionized and are beginning to prosper. Al Angor has brought in a total of 22,583 kilos of fish, totaling $13,848; Qam has brought in a total of 650 kilos totaling $1,100 in earnings for the fishermen.

"The goal with the set price for fish, and loan to the fishermen, is to empower the locals to help their communities and earn an income," said Capt. Eric Beltz, civil military affairs officer for 3-69 Armor. "After the initial call came out, 300 fishermen showed up to jump-start their careers."

The first loan was such a success for the area that the loans for two additional months were approved in March.

"For the first time in the area, you have an organized central meeting with numerous normal people brought together in a situation that doesn't happen very often," Beltz said. "We supported the fishermen, got them organized and now they will become self-sufficient."

The loan is more than just fixing a leak on a boat and will help the fisherman far into the future.

"This is a long-term project with long-term effects," Durden said. "The fishing loan can make them (fishermen) a lot of money to buy their fuel and nets, and have enough afterwards to make a profit."

If the recent developments of Al Angor and Qam are any indication, the fishermen should be in self-sufficient very soon. The Soldiers are optimistic and see the fishermen not needing much more help.

Beltz said it will probably happen before the summer. "By June, the fishermen should be able to purchase their own fuel and supplies."

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