Impact of environmental pollutants on fish and fisheries in Punjab, Pakistan

Partner Institutes
University of Aberdeen	University of Vet and Animal Sciences, Lahore

Fisheries and aquaculture play a crucial role in the economy of many developed countries. Pakistan has plenty of water reservoirs that contain a diverse fish fauna. But with time, pollution has become a major problem for the aquaculture industry in Pakistan. Universities and research institutions are trying to help by focusing research on the hazardous effects of pollution and the dangers posed to valuable natural resources.

An association of University of Aberdeen, UK and Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, University of Vet and Animal Sciences, Lahore plans to evaluate the impact of environmental pollution on fish and fisheries in the Punjab region. The project will pinpoint heavily polluted sensitive sites, by surveying and analysing water samples.

University of Aberdeen will provide technical assistance as well as training to faculty members from UVAS involved in the project. The UK team will also visit Pakistan for exchange of ideas and information regarding environmental issues in both countries. During the term of the project, researchers from UVAS will design academic courses for graduate/postgraduate students in Pakistan, with one diploma course planned to strengthen the educational status of fish farmers.

The project has short-term impacts, such as strengthening the research capabilities of faculty and laboratories of the partner institutes, with the potential to publish higher quality scientific publications from work carried out.

Long-term advantages include an increased number of trained faculty and students to enhance the Pakistani knowledge and skills base, and research findings that can enhance aquaculture production for a sustained small-scale industry, with potential to contribute to the economy of the country.

Lessons learnt:

Extent of degradation/deterioration of natural aquatic resources due to environmental pollutants in Punjab.
Serious deleterious impacts of untreated industrial and domestic effluents on aquatic biodiversity which was highlighted by eminent scientists during the celebration of World Water Day on 22nd March, 2012 under this project .
DISKE workshop organized by BC at Ravi Campus, Pattoki motivated the participants from academia and industry about the importance of Knowledge Exchange between stakeholders. After this Workshop Vice Chancellor of UVAS, visited Uni. Of Aberdeen under DISKE grants for future collaboration.

Challenges faced:

Security concerns in Pakistan are often a major challenge for foreign visitors.
Non-availability of atomic absorption is causing delay for the estimation of heavy metals.
Fish collection from auctioned water bodies during off season is difficult and special arrangements with the contractor have to be worked out.

Impact:

During this project, through discussions & field visits the capacity of 36 students, 02 Lab technicians and 02 faculty members was built.
Baseline data of heavily polluted areas of Lahore, Kasur, Multan & Faisalabad will be available for future studies.
On site training /awareness among general public, farmers & students through seminars/workshops about the health hazards of water pollution.
Role of heavy metals deposition in various parts of fish, their impact on fish breeding and human health through food chain.