The Faculty of Fisheries & Wildlife of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore in Pakistan observed the World Fisheries Day (21 November) on its Ravi Campus Pattoki in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission and British Council’s INSPIRE project.
The day was observed with the theme to create awareness about fish importance, consumption, sustainable management and protection of natural fisheries resources from the hazardous effects of environmental pollutants.
UVAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, while addressing a seminar on ‘The Importance of World Fisheries Day,’ said that about 25 percent of the world’s dietary protein was coming from fish which was the cheapest source of white meat approximately 65 to 80 percent with less fat as compare to mutton and beef. He said that one kilogram fish feed could return 2.5 kg fish meat but the conversion ratio of beef and mutton was much higher 14kg feed.
He urged the students to do experimental learning activities and make research projects for the protection of fish species and make a difference in the health of aquatic ecosystem and the life they support. Government College University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman congratulated the university, fisheries department, donor agency and HEC to conduct such mega event in creating awareness about importance of fish.
He regretted the government was not prioritised the education and it was spending only 1.7 percent of GDP which was less than Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and even Nepal. Dilating on the importance of education, he added no country could get economic progress and prosperity with illiterate population.
Dr Khaleeq-ur-Rahman urged the politician and bureaucrat to support the education sector for the development the nation. Other speakers stated that global warming and pollution were posing serious threats to the fisheries and ecosystem. Globally, annual fisheries exports were valued at 85 to 90 billion dollars. The people should protect fish and not to use harmful nets to destroy fish stocks. “We need to move much more rapidly towards rebuilding individual fish populations and restoring the ecosystems,” the added.
Professor Dr Muhammad Akram, Professor Dr Muhammad Ashraf, DG Fisheries Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf, the Director Punjab of the British Council Richard Weyers, INSPIRE Project Link Co-ordinator Professor Dr Muhammad Sharif Mughal also spoke on the occasion. Papers on the topics ‘Comparative account of nutritional value in different meats’, ‘different value added products of fish’ and ‘pollution hazards on fish and fish consumers’ were also presented on the occasion.
Business Recorder, 2012