1 Ch # 6 Fishing Industry Syllabus Contents: Candidates should be able to: Define Terms & Definitions • describe the fishing methods used in both marine and inland waters, including fish farms • give examples of the fish caught in both marine and inland waters, and of the fish reared on fish farms • give examples of the fishing ports on both the Baluchistan and Sindh coasts • describe the uses of the fish caught • explain improvements in fishing methods and processing techniques • understand the problems facing the fishing industry and evaluate the possibilities for its further development and sustainability. Basic Knowledge: (Terms & Definitions) Aquaculture: Rearing of fish and growing of aquatic plants is called Aquaculture. Marine Fishing: Catching of fish along the sea/coastal area. Marine Species: Fish caught from the sea and oceans e.g. Shark, Prawns, Croakers and Shrimps Inland Fishing: Catching of fish from rivers, barrages/headwork, lakes, ponds and fish farms. Inland Species: Fish obtained from Rivers, lakes, ponds and fish farms e.g. Rahu, Trout, Palla Fish farming: Rearing of fish in man made pond. Fishing Ports of Pakistan Sonmiani 2 Comparison of Fishing Methods Old fishing methods include Traditional Nets, Nylon Ropes and small wooden Sail boats. processing, freezing and storage facilities. Old methods are mostly used for subsistence fishing and fish catch is small. These methods are labour intensive and time consuming. Fishermen can only go for a few kilometers offshore by using such methods. Modern methods under use are Gill netting, Mechanized boats, Trawlers and Ships with Modern methods are used for commercial fishing and fish catch is large. These methods need skillful labour and do fishing on large scale in a short time. Fishermen can stay for several days in an open sea to do fishing. Its capital intensive. Comparison of Processing Techniques: Old processing techniques are Salting and Drying. These methods are labour intensive and time consuming. The processing done in such ways is not hygienic as well. Modern processing techniques include Refrigeration, freezing and canning. This is done by using latest machinery, cold stores and huge refrigeration rooms. It is considered safe and healthy. Packing facilities of different kinds are also available in such processing units. Uses & Importance of Fish caught • • • • • Nutritious food / good quality / healthy Content of food including fish oil, e.g. protein, white meat, low in cholesterol, vitamins Bones for fertilizer and waste is used to make poultry feed Source of income and employment for local community Exports earn foreign exchange 3 The fishing methods used on a fish farm 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Prepare ponds Fill half and put insects in it Hatch eggs or buy small fishes from hatcheries Breeding of single species (fish) is commonly practiced Regular feeding with poultry and fish waste Regular checks of fish health and check water levels/ clean water Catch fully grown fish by net Qs. from CIE Past paper on Fish Farm (i) Describe the lay-out and features of the fish farm. (ii) How has the physical topography of the area made it easy to construct the ponds? Where the material come from that has been used to make the banks of the ponds? Why is fish farming of growing importance in Pakistan? Credit will be given if you name a species of fresh water fish reared on fish farms. (iii) (iv) Why more people are employed in inland fisheries than marine fishing. • • • • More people live near rivers, lakes etc. Labour required for maintenance of ponds and Hatcheries for feeding and catching. Transportation of fish to market involves packing, loading and unloading. Government encouragement/loans etc. Why is fish processing called ‘value-added’? It can be sold for more money/more profit. 4 How does the poor infrastructure of Balochistan make development of the fishing industry difficult? • • • • • Poor roads and railway for transport Lack of electricity for processing Poor telecommunications to markets Lack of fresh and clean water for processing Illiteracy, lack of training and lack of education leads to lack of skilled labour What are the advantages and disadvantages of developing fish processing industries in the ports of Balochistan? Advantages • Stimulates development of fishing industry / port facilities (other than processing) • Gawadar Port • Reduced cost of transport (than to Karachi) • More fresh / no delay / no need for storage • Infrastructure development, e.g. roads, power, telecommunications • Adds value to fish Disadvantages • Lack of infrastructure, e.g. roads, power, water, ports, etc. • Small market / population • Long way from major centers of population, e.g. Quetta & Karachi • Uneducated / unskilled population • Lack of interest from investors or government due to high cost of any development • Inhospitable climate and relief The possibilities for further developments of Fishing Industry in Pakistan There is great possibility of further development in Pakistan because of the following factors: • Coastal areas of Pakistan have wide, shallow continental shelf, warm waters, sheltered harbour and numerous creeks. • Mangrove forests provide good breeding grounds for several species of fish. • Indus delta is rich in fish food which attracts numerous species of fish. • Moreover, infrastructure development along Sind and Baluchistan coasts can support maximum export of fish caught. 5 Problems of Fishing Industry Over Fishing: Over fishing is another problem of fishing industry. Local and foreign trawlers keep on catching shrimps and other species even during breeding season (May-August). This act reduces the production especially in the Arabian Sea. Water Pollution: Spillage of Oil, dumping of domestic and industrial waste is causing great threat to survival of fish everywhere in Pakistan. Threat to mangroves: Mangroves act as barrier and protect the coastal areas from high and low tides. These forests are also breeding grounds for many species. These are being cut down by the locals to fulfill their timber and fuel needs causing threat to aquaculture. Lack of Finances: Pakistan does not have enough capital to develop this industry. Most of the fishing is done on traditional lines which results in low output and profit. International Embargo: Due to traditional ways of handling fish, Pakistan faces international restrictions (Embargo, ban, bar) on its exports to developed countries. Sustainable Fishing? Development of fishing resources in such a way that these are beneficial for the present generation and are conserved for the future ones without harming the environment.
