Fish production in GB
By Muhammad Ali

2014
Muhammad Ali
Submitted to : WWF
7/15/2014
Fish production in GB
By Muhammad Ali

2014
Muhammad Ali
Submitted to : WWF
7/15/2014

INTRODUCTION:

Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the most spectacular regions of Pakistan. Here world's three mightiest mountain ranges- the Karakoram, the Hindukush and the Himalayas- meet. The entire Gilgit-Baltistan is like a paradise for mountaineers, climbers, trekkers, hikers and anglers. There are five distinct ecological zones, which can be identified as alpine areas and permanent snowfields, alpine meadows and alpine scrub, sub-alpine scrub, dry temperature coniferous forest and dry temperature evergreen oak scrub. This diverse range of ecological zones supports a rich faunal diversity, including fish.
Gilgit-Baltistan region is blessed with great water resources covering rivers, streams and alpine lakes fed by the snowmelt and glacier waters. The area is a fishing Paradise, surrounded by huge mountains and lakes which gives a beautiful scene and an ideal place for fishing and hunting. Many anglers’ local and foreigner come here for hunting and have a great fishing experience of lifetime.
The present studies reveal that there are about 19 species of native fishes found in different areas of GB among which trout is famous. This specie has now well established itself and is found in most of the rivers and lakes of Gilgit, Skardu and Ghizer districts. Particularly, upstream of Ghizer River and its tributaries contain large number of brown trout.
No fish market has been emerged in GB areas in spite of the fact that Boyh, Rainbow trout and Brown trout are the most delicious fishes. Moreover the area has unlimited water resources for production of species.
Where are the fishes found?
Distribution of species in the river systems of Gilgit-Baltistan is not even because of different psychochemical factors like altitude, water temperature, turbidity, flow, dissolved oxygen and riverbed. Some regions may have more number of species while some may have low depending on the certain reasons like physiochemical conditions.
Gilgit-Baltistan possesses a rich variety of freshwater habitats, including eight major rivers, and numerous streams and lakes but annual fish production is very low. The fish capture in 1998 was reported to be 145 tones. 1. Gilgit River and surroundings: The water of Gilgit River is very much suitable for trout fishes. Side streams like Kurgah, Dulnati, Bathrase, Chasi, Hubdret and Hazbar Nullahs are perfect for trout habitats and support breading population of brown trout and trout hatcheries can be established. 2. Sai Nullah:
Sai Nullah fall in Indus river near Jaglot. A trout hatchery has been constructed near Jaglot yet many more can be constructed. 3. Khalti lake:
It is found in Gupis. Trout fish is excessively found here and other species of fishes can also be found. 4. Khukush lake:
High population of trout is found in this lake. The reason for high population is the presence of high carnivore, no or less competition, huge water volume and excessive amount of oxygen. 5. Hunderap Lake:
This lake is found near Hundrap valley and is one of the famous trout areas in Gilgit-Baltistan. 6. Lunger Area:
Lunger is situated near shadur. It has many divided channels with crystal blue waters which provide a perfect breeding and feeding for trout. 7. Phander Lake:
This lake is well known for its trout fishing. This area is one of the best fishing spots in Pakistan. 8. Darle Lake:
It has been found the most suitable area for the production of brown trout. It contains the most established and healthy population of fish in GB. 9. Astore river:
Throughout the Diamer district the Astore River, Parishing Nullah and Godai Nullah are one of the best trout areas in GB. Trout hatcheries can be established but no contribution of the government is found. 10. Hotshot Nullah:
It is situated near Skardu city. A hatchery is found there. The nullah and the hatchery has the rainbow trout. 11. Sadpara and kachura Nullahs:
Sadpara Nullah and kachura Nullahs also have the crystal clear water suitable for trout culture. Both rainbow trout and brown trout are found in there water bodies. 12. Simrak and partuka Nullahs:
Both are situated in Kharmang and have credible population of the brown and rainbow trout.

* Trout hitcheries and farms found in GB:
Though many hatcheries/farms are currently active in different places of GB but due to financial and technical problems they are not producing up to the target. Main trout farms and hatcheries are as under.

1. Kaulot trout hatchery:
The hatchery is close to Gilgit city at Kurgah Nullah and is one of the main source of production of both brown and rainbow fish. Filtration systems are installed to stop the sand and silt brought down by floods. 2. Karguah trout hatchery:
This hatchery is also situated on the kargah Nullah. The canal has three transverse walls, forming pounds which help precipitate slit during floods . The pounds have concrete bottoms but bottom is of earth. 3. Nalter Hatchery:
It is situated in Nalter Valley but currently not functioning. Little effort is needed to bring the hatchery back in operation. 4. Gahkuch Hatchery:
It is located at the Gupis river, containing good quality water feasible for the habitat of trout fish. 5. Hotshot hatchery:
It is the only working farm in Skardu district, although the region is rich in good quality fishes including trout. It is blessed with best source of spring water and an excellent road access near to Skardu town. 6. Bara hatchery:
It is situated near khapulu, close to Shyoke River. Both brown and rainbow trout fish are found. 7. Mehdiabad trout farm:
It draws water from Mehdiabad stream. Concrete channels are found which are suitable for fish production. 8. Darel harchery:
It is situated near Darel. The spring water is collected in large tanks, from which it is distributed through different pipes which run into concrete channels. 9. Karbe hatchery:
Located near the town of Astore. It has good quality spring water. 10. Khanburry Fisheries Station:
It has no hatchery facility and equipped with deep pound having concrete slides and an earth bottom. It draws its water from Khanburry River.

* Rivers, Streams and Springs: * The kurgah, Sai and Nultae Nullahs. * The Ghizer district, the Ghizer River and many its tributaries. * Astore River, Parishing and Godai Nullahs. * Sadpara Nullah, Kachra Nullahs, Simrak and Parkuta Nullahs.

* Lakes for trout stocking: * Kharfaq Lake * Ghursey Lake * Birghal Lake * Utter Lake * Nalter Lake complex * Atta Abad Lake * Gashu Lake * Rama Lake * Upper Kachura Lake

Problems and possible solutions for fisheries

PROBLEMS * People use explosives for catching large quantities of fish is illegal and can be fatal. This practice not only destroys fisheries but also alter food chains and food webs. * Increase in human population results in overfishing and illegal fishing. * Several types of fishing gears are used which are nonselective in catching fishes. This results in killing of non-targeted species due to which food chain is disturbed. * Use of electricity to catch fish is also illegal way to catch fishes. * Chemical pollution aroused from a heavy load of domestic savage is hazardous for fishery industry. * Financial problems in the fisheries department also cause many problems in fish market. * There is a lack of legal machinery to catch fish. * Frequent landslides and glacial melts impart significant turbidity to the rivers of the area and hence it affects the fish industry. * Low budget allocation for fisheries sector. * Lack of trained man power. * Lack of marketing. * Poor infrastructures of laboratories, training centers etc. * Transport problems e.g. lack of vehicles * Lack of awareness * Poor publicity.
SOLUTIONS
* Providing awareness by giving information about legal and illegal ways of fishing. * Applying rules, regulations and bans to protect from illegal hunt of fishes. * Improving disease control and other medical advancements * Ensure the management of marketing system. * Giving awareness and taking steps to control water pollution. * Government should increase the investments in fish hatcheries, plants, laboratories, libraries, training centers, residential buildings for field staff, machinery, electricity, transport etc. * Developing local supplies of quality of fish feed. * Strengthening e=research, development and extensions. * Assure the availability of quality fish in the market. * Initiate investigations in stocking of fish for enhancement of fish production. * Conduct different surveys. * Initiate investigations in fish population dynamics in GB Rivers. * Increase awareness related to fish protection and development of sustainable fisheries.

REFERENCES * http://www.mygilgit.com/Gilgit/tourism-tourist-gilgit-pakistan.php * http://defence.pk/threads/fishing-in-gilgit-baltistan.282348/ * FISH FAUNA OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN AREAS OF PAKISTAN, a report submitted to GB fisheries department by Pakistan museum of natural arts.