Abstract
In Pakistan, fishery sector provides employment to about 379,000 fishermen directly. In the year 2000, fish and fishery products valued at Rs.7.878 billion were exported from Pakistan. The present trend of production indicates that conventional fisheries resources are reaching at their optimum level. The conservation and management will ensure stock rebuilding of long-lived demersal & large pelagic species. Attempts have been made to use improved fishing gears and search new fisheries or to exploit the untapped or underutilized resources through new and improved fishing technologies. 40% of the catch goes to reduction to fish meal as a result of post harvest losses. Considerable scope exists for marketing of fish as higher valued products, particularly uneconomic use of shrimp bycatch and small pelagic fishes in fishmeal. Realizing the importance for improvement of quality of fish and fishery products an effective quality control programme of fish and fishery products has been introduced. Aquaculture has now become the fastest growing food activity in the world. Introduction of some exotic species for aquaculture purposes has led to serious environmental consequences. Biodiversity of the natural water bodies and coastal areas has seriously affected due to over-fishing, pollution and environmental degradation as well. Therefore, there is a need to develop aquaculture on responsible manner.
