UVAS Conference Calls For Formulating ‘fisheries And Aquaculture Policy’ In Country

A two-day International Fisheries & Aquaculture Conference on “Emerging Trends for Sustainable Exploitation of Aquatic Resources” organised by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore has strongly recommended formulation of a ‘fisheries and aquaculture policy’ for the development of this emerging sector in the country

LAHORE ,(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Jan, 2019): A two-day International Fisheries & Aquaculture Conference on “Emerging Trends for Sustainable Exploitation of Aquatic Resources” organised by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore has strongly recommended formulation of a ‘fisheries and aquaculture policy’ for the development of this emerging sector in the country.

The Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture of UVAS in collaboration with UVAS-Industry Liaison Working Group, Punjab Fisheries Department and Pakistan Fishery Development Board arranged the conference and expo, which concluded on Thursday evening.

The conference also recommended strengthening extension services, promotion of cage fish culture shrimp culture, trout farming, introduction of high value potential fish species, development of cold chain and processing plants with model markets, use of barren and saline public and private lands for fish farming and introduction of various degree programmes in fisheries and aquaculture as well as environment protection and climate change in all the universities of the country. Vice-Chancellor University of Baltistan, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan Prof Dr Naeem Khan presided over the concluding ceremony. He along with UVAS Vice-Chancellor Meritorious Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha distributed shields and certificates among the organisers.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Naeem Khan said that we are at the verge of evolution of ‘’blue revolution’’ in the country. He said that the universities are supposed to lead through quality research, technology and education. He also sought UVAS help in the training of paraveterisarians of Baltistan region. UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Pasha said that fisheries and aquaculture has enormous potential for growth and we have to cap that potential through national and international collaborations, public-private partnership, value-addition and processing. He also appreciated the organisers for conducting such a successful conference having participation from over a dozen countries. He said that UVAS is always open to collaborations and strongly supports promotion of fisheries and aquaculture. Director General Fisheries Punjab Dr Sikander Hayyat, Ex-Presidant World Aquaculture Society from Baja California Mexico Dr Juan Pablo Lazo Corvera, Chairman Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture Dr Noor Khan also spoke on the occasion. Over 500 professionals, researchers and faculty members from across the world and fish farmers, representatives from fish feed industry, officials from Fisheries Department attended the conference. Twenty international speakers were from Mexico, the USA, the UK, Croatia, Turkey, Nepal, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Columbia, India and New Zealand. Total 60 papers were presented orally in 15 sessions of the two-day conference.