SU marks World Fisheries Day to highlight importance of fish in human life, aquaculture in ecosystem
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Sindh marked World Fisheries Day on Thursday with an array of activities to emphasize the critical role of fisheries and aquaculture in the ecosystem.
The event began with a seminar held in the Audio & Video Room of the Dean’s Office, which was presided over by the Dean Faculty of Natural Sciences Professor Dr. Agha Asad Noor Pathan and attended by the prominent academics and experts- Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Dr Hamadullah Kakepoto, Chairman Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education (BISE) Hyderabad Dr Ahmed Ali Brohi, Dr Bashir Ahmed Memon, Dr. Rashid Khuhro, Dr. Sujo Mal Meghwar, Dr Tania Mushtaque, Prof. Umeed Ali Rind, Dr Ayaz Samo, Dr Qasim Nizamani, Dr Shahmurad Chandio, Dr Pasand Ali Khoso, Abdul Rehman Nagraj, Abdul Hameed Mahesar, Dr. Faiz Brohi, Dr Jamshed Warsi, Dr Waqas Jameel and a large number of students, and guests.
In his presidential address, Dr. Agha Asad Noor Pathan raised concerns about the unchecked smuggling of fish to Iran and stressed the need for strict monitoring and security measures to curb this dangerous practice.
He elaborated on the ecological and economic implications of the issue of fish smuggling and shared insights into bridging the gap between academia and industry.
He emphasized the urgent need for sustainable aquaculture management and highlighted overlooked sectors in the aquaculture industry and discussed emerging trends.
Former Director General of Fisheries, Government of Sindh Moazzam Khan highlighted the risks faced by both freshwater and marine fish species due to overfishing and environmental changes.
He urged stakeholders to adopt sustainable fishing practices to preserve aquatic biodiversity.
Chairman Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences Professor Dr Khalid Hussain Lashari spoke on the vast potential of the fisheries sector and emphasized its long-term contributions to the economy and food security.
Director Dr M.A Institute of Chemistry professor Dr Arfana Begum Mallah underscored the nutritional and health benefits of fish as a food source, advocating its inclusion in daily diets.
She said that ensuring food security and combating hunger was essential for improving the quality of life and fostering sustainable development.
She also emphasized that the authority must actively work across all the districts of Sindh to ensure food safety while raising public awareness about healthy eating habits and the importance of hygiene through awareness campaigns.
Associate Professor at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS) Dr. Gulzar Usman elaborated on the medical advantages of consuming fish, particularly in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Autif Hussain Mangi from SU’s Institute of Biochemistry provided insights into the nutritional importance of fish. He cited its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids and essential proteins.
Shaukat Soomro addressed the challenges of illegal fishing in the Arabian Sea, calling for stringent measures to safeguard marine resources.
Dr. Aslam Jarwar, Dr. Rajesh, Dr. Shahnaz Rashid and others emphasized sustainable practices in the fisheries sector.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks paid by Dr. Muhammad Younis Leghari followed by the distribution of shields among speakers and contributors including Dr. Anila Naz Soomro, Dr. Punhal Khan Lashari, Dr Baradi Waryani, Dr Hameeda Kalhoro, Dr Munawar Minhas, Sher Zaman Mirani and Dilawar Hussain.
A highlight of the celebrations was a cooking competition and stall exhibition. Students from the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences secured first place for preparing delicious fish dishes and creatively decorating their stalls, followed by the Department of Geography and the Centre for Environmental Sciences in second and third positions, respectively.
The stalls featured a variety of fish dishes, including farmed, wild and sea fish, which were enjoyed by attendees.
The event successfully highlighted the importance of fisheries in promoting health, sustainability and economic growth.
