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Based on UN FAO figures, 70% of the world’s fish stocks are now either fully exploited, overfished, depleted, or rebuilding from previous over-fishing. Marine pollution and weather conditions have also adversely affected fish populations.
In the province of Sindh, Thatta & Badin Districts are highly suitable for aquaculture. Vast land areas with ample water supplies, suitable soil, extensive irrigation and drainage networks, perfect climate, temperature and conditions make this area highly suitable for the culture of a number of species.
Fish farming in Pakistan is still based on extensive methods that are outdated. Man made lakes are preferred which require large amounts of irrigation water. There have been no advances in technique and the culture methods are way behind other developing countries such as India, Bangladesh and Indonesia, where over the past several years the aquaculture industry has had a tremendous boost both in technology and fish culture methods.
Due to acute water shortages, pollution, unpredictable weather conditions, unavailability of suitable sites and difficulty in managing large extensive farming areas, fish farmers of Pakistan must move towards better alternatives such as semi-intensive farming. Fish farmers across Sindh suffered huge financial losses during acute shortages of irrigation water in the period 1999 – 2002. Over 90% fish farms were affected and many never re-started.
It is time for Pakistan aquaculture to move forward. There are several culture methods such as Recirculated Aquaculture Systems, Cage Culture and Raceways etc. But these require huge amounts of capital, dependable power facilities and highly trained technical staff. At present the above culture systems are not recommended. At the same time Extensive farming should also be avoided as large quantity of surface water is wasted annually.
Gradual transition from extensive to semi-intensive farming is the need of the day. Research shows that the proposed method of farming would be most ideal for Pakistan. As such a system half way between extensive and intensive is recommended. A special semi-intensive system specially suited for Aquaculture in Pakistan is under development by Aquaculture Technologies Pakistan after 15 years research and experience.
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