Centre for Coastal and Deltaic Studies (CCDS), Sindh University Campus Thatta organized 1-Day National Seminar on “Education and Research on Coastal Fisheries Management” to mark “World Fisheries Day” in collaboration with Livestock & Fisheries Department, Government of Sindh. The seminar was presided over by Professor Dr Sarfraz Hussain Solangi, the Meritorious Professor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Sindh University Campus Thatta. Speaking on this occasion, Dr Solangi in his presidential remarks observed that SU Campus Thatta was lucky to organise the given event on otherwise neglected area of livestock component ie fisheries. He thanked Government of Sindh especially Livestock and Fisheries Minister Muhammad Ali Malkani and Professor Dr Muhammad Siddique Kalhoro, Vice-Chancellor, University of Sindh for their patronage and support. He said that the event had been aligned with World Fisheries Day to accentuate the culture of promotion of fish industry in Pakistan. Dr Solangi praised the efforts of Professor Dr Mukhtiar Ahmed Mahar, Director, CCDS and his entire team towards successful organisation of the seminar. Meanwhile, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Director General Fisheries Sindh was Chief Guest of the occasion, who was nominated by Muhammad Ali Malkani the Provincial Minister for Livestock & Fisheries Department, Government of Sindh. Professor Dr Mukhtiar Ahmed Mahar Director CCDS highlighted the seminar objectives and theme to promote education and research for the solutions of coastal and deltaic issues, challenges and opportunities; Aquaculture Development, Sustainable fishing, Mangrove forestation, Habitat protection and sustainability. Renowned fisheries scholars Ghulam Muhammad Mahar the Chief Guest of the seminar suggested that MoU should be signed between academic institutions and Government Departments for identifying the coastal issues and their solutions. Muhammad Moazzam Khan Technical Advisor WWF Pakistan pointed out that regular monitoring and studies were needed on the coastal fisheries for development of the fisheries sector; Mr Khawar Parvez Awan, the Senior Director Fisheries Sindh Inland Hyderabad emphasised for promotion of the culture of inland fisheries ie finfish, shrimps, crabs, oysters and mussels. Faisal Iftikhar, Chief Executive Officer Fisheries Development Board Islamabad stressed that Pakistan coast is rich in natural grounds for promotion of the culture of finfish and shell fish and there is only need for proper direction. Naveed Ahmed Abro and Khalid Mahmood; Allah Dino Shah, Principal Scientific Officer, National Institute of Oceanography and Dr Tariq, Research Officer, National Institute of Oceanography highlighted the quality control and sustainable fishing methods by using the appropriate gears and crafts. RSN Jangua, the Project Director Feeding Pakistan American Soya Association gave the idea for supply of proper feeding and aeration to acculturation fish for proper fish farming to get reasonable profit. Professor Dr Muhammad Younis Laghari Department of Freshwater Biology and Fisheries emphasised to the fishing community to divert from catching to culture side using the fast growing fish species by making the cages and pens in to the ecologically rich habitats. Ghulam Mustafa Gopang, Director Research and Development Fisheries proposed that through the education and research the experiments should be conducted and successful observations and techniques implemented through government to the community for the minimisation of livelihood of the coastal community and popularisation of new trends.
2016 Business Recorder.