Pakistan shares a sealine with the Arabian Sea and has numerous rivers and lakes, which makes its geographical base very suitable for the presence of different fish species in Pakistan. The fishing industry plays an important role in the economy of Pakistan, where fisheries contribute to inhabitants’ income.
Out of the various types of fish that are found in the water resources of Pakistan, the Mahseer fish holds the status of national fish of Pakistan. Its size, strength, and relevance to the culture of the nation, the Mahseer fish represents all the water creatures of the country.
Explore the diverse types of fish found in Pakistan, with a spotlight on the iconic Mahseer fish. Discover the fishing sector’s vital role in Pakistan’s economy and the urgent need for sustainable practices to preserve this valuable resource.
Fish Types in Pakistan
Types of Freshwater Fish
- Mahseer (Tor putitora): The official fish of Pakistan is Mahseer, which is a large fish and preferred because of its strength and size which it has in the water. It is native to the clear water of northern Pakistan with a particular concentration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan states.
- Rohu (Labeo rohita): Rohu fish is one of the popular freshwater fish in Pakistan and is mostly found in rivers and ponds. Though it is commonly found it has great importance in fisheries in Pakistan because of its local consumption.
- Singhara (Mystus seenghala): This catfish species is well fished for because of its great taste in the mouth. Fish is widespread in the rivers and lakes of Pakistan, and its locals traditionally use it in their cuisine.
- Trout (Salmo trutta and Oncorhynchus mykiss): Cool water trout, browns, and rainbows, are found in the northern regions of Pakistan. These fish are popular for recreational fishing and are also cultured to some extent.
Types of Marine Water Fish
- Pomfret (Pampus spp): Pomfret is a favourite fish both in the domestic and export markets because of its bland taste and fine textured meat.
- Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha): Hilsa is another important anadromous fish that move between seas and freshwater river systems. It has within the coastal areas presumed to be down to the prevalence of seafood in their diet.
- Tuna (Thunnus spp.): Tuna itself constitutes a large component of the fishing exports of Pakistan. Its sea resources are sufficient to meet the demand for tuna which is well demanded globally.
- Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta): Mackerel fish another common species of fish caught in the Arabian Sea has been processed for export and eaten fresh as well.
The National Fish of Pakistan: Mahseer
Morphological Characteristics of the Mahseer
Culture and Economic Importance of Mahseer
The Mahseer is not only considered the national fish of Pakistan but is recognized by anglers as a hard-fighting fish of considerable size. Local people of the province engage themselves in fishing of Mahseer in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan have been included for fishing of Mahseer during summer vacations.
Other common names include the Pakistan National Fish name Mahseer which is familiar in the rural areas where fishing is hugely practised. It is taken by the fishing communities that depend on the fish as a source of food and the Mahseer is marketed across centres and local markets to enhance the revenue of the communities and food chain.
Conservation Concerns
Nevertheless, Mahseer is an endangered species due to overfishing, loss of habitat, and pollution; despite it being recognized as a Pakistan national fish. Hydropower infrastructure development such as dam constructions has also interfered with rivers’ course hence hampering the fish breeders’ ability to produce their young ones in the wild.
Consequently, its populations in some water bodies have been threatened and there is therefore the need to conserve the fish.
Fisheries in Pakistan
Function of Fisheries in the Economy
Conservation of Fish Species
Major Threats to Fish Species
- Overfishing: Both natural breeding seasons and artificial harvesting through nets targeting juvenile fish have reduced fish stocks in the various rivers, especially the Indus.
- Pollution: Factory effluents, agricultural leachates, and raw sewer water contaminate rivers and lakes, become unfavourable for fish, and are risky for people who consume fish.
- Habitat Destruction: These resources realized it becomes extremely dangerous to build dams and infrastructure projects which cut off the free flow of rivers thus stopping migratory species such as the Mahseer from reaching their breeding grounds.
Conservation Initiatives
- Fishing Regulations: Fish breeding time restrictions as well as restrictions on the size of fishes caught and taken from the water ensure the young fishes grow to maturity.
- Fish Hatcheries: Some hatchery programs involve species such as Mahseer and Rohu that government Hatcheries rear to restock existing species in the wild.
- Public Awareness: Local fishermen are capable of absorbing educative messages on sustainable fishing practices and other uses of the resource that should belong to conservation.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s diverse aquatic ecosystems are home to a variety of freshwater and marine fish species, with Mahseer standing out as the national fish due to its cultural and ecological significance. The fishing industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, providing employment, food security, and export revenue.
However, the sector faces serious challenges from overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts, including fishing regulations, hatchery programs, and public awareness initiatives, are essential to preserving fish populations and ensuring the sustainability of Pakistan’s fisheries for future generations.
