Sindh University observes World Fisheries Day

The Freshwater Biology & Fisheries Department of Sindh University, Jamshoro observed the World Fisheries Day with several programmes, including a colourful rally and public conference at Allama I. I. Kazi Campus, here on Friday. mThe rally was flagged off by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Imdad Ali Ismaili and chairman of fisheries department Professor Dr Naeem Tariq Narejo in which teachers, students, fishery scientists, officials and social workers participated.
The slogans of the rally were "conservation of fishery resource for the protection of human kind", "stop over fishing" and "save the water from pollution for the safety of fisheries." The day was observed with the theme to create awareness about fish importance, consumption, sustainable management and protection of our natural fisheries resources from the hazardous effects of environmental pollutants. Artistic talents of the students highlighting the significance of the day were also displayed in the rally. The public conference was followed by the awareness rally which began from department of fisheries. Speaking on the occasion the Vice-Chancellor said that the protection of the fisheries was the need of hour but it could be ensured through awareness among the people.
He said that mere slogans were not sufficient to save the national assets but they could only be protected through education and research, adding that the problems could be resolved in all the fields only through the knowledge and wisdom. He said this awareness rally taken out by the students of department of fresh water biology and fisheries would prove beneficial.
Dr Ismaili said that indigenous fish species were facing severe threats leading to extinction. "I think our concerned students can take up a study in this regard and find solutions to the problems. In addition to developing fishery science, the fisheries department should also strive for the uplift and socio-economic progress of the fishermen," he said.
Dr Naeem Tariq Narejo said that the production of native fish species had dropped drastically in Pakistan because of proliferation of exotic species in major lakes and water bodies. "Alien species that in some cases were officially introduced in local waters have devastated the natural ecosystem and there is a dire need to initiate programmes to control exotic species in order to restore the ecosystem," he said. Dr Wazir Ali Baloch on the occasion said that the over-fishing must be brought to an end for nurturing of fisheries in the country and ensuring alternate livelihood for the people.