The viability of a key river that feeds into Australia's biggest water system is under threat if poor conditions that killed millions of fish are not improved within six months, scientists warned Monday.

Along the Iraqi banks of the Euphrates river, one question dominates the conversation. What killed the fish?

Patients sat gingerly with their feet up at the Nalanda Medical College hospital in Bihar state when water gushed into the intensive care unit.

The sea around Qatar currently has "more than usual" quantities of fish such as tuna, king fish and hamour, according to fishermen.

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has offered consumers some practical advice to ensure they are buying fresh fish that is fit for human consumption.

Inspectors of the health section of Al Khor and Al Thakhira Municipality are continuing their inspection campaigns, with 150kg of fish destroyed.

The prices of vegetables, fruits and fish at the Central Market dropped during December 2016, according to a monthly report issued by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

A plan to shift the vegetable, fish and cattle markets from the Doha Central Market in the Mesaimeer-Mamoura area to three locations in a few months may cause inconvenience to both the customers as well as retailers, it is felt.

Officers from the Health Control Section at the Municipal Control Department of Doha Municipality conducted 1,430 inspections at food facilities within its jurisdiction last month, resulting in the closure of 10 errant outlets.

The prices of some of the “cheaper” fish varieties, such as sardine and sheri, have gone up due to a shortage in the local market.

Fines amounting to over QR3.1mn were imposed on different outlets within the Doha Municipality's jurisdiction in the first half of 2016 for violating food safety regulations.

The retail price of Hamour, one of the most sought after varieties of fish is likely to cross QR100 per kg in the coming days, traders said.