Smart-Summary of UNIT # 6 : FISHING

One of the oldest occupation adding 0.9% to DP and 6% of exports of Pakistan. Mostly engaged in inland
fishing (rivers, farms) but marine (sea) catch is thrice more than inland to catch fish.
USES OF FISH: Waste used in fertilizer and poultry feed, white meat with low cholesterol, fish oil rich in
vitamin A and D.

TYPES OF FISHING MARINE (SEA) INLAND (FRESH WATER)

AREAS FOR MARINE Sindh coast (Karachi) and Makran coast
AND INLAND (Jiwani, Gawadar, Pasni, Ormara, Sonmiani)
SPECIES FOR MARINE Crab, Lobster, Prawns, Sardines, Sharks on
AND INLAND Indus delta. Other marine fish are Herring,
Croakers, Skates, Rays, Drums, Cat fish.
TECHNIQUES OF Commercial: Mechanized boats (going to 50
FISHING FOR km), get nets, trawlers, radars to detect,
COMMERCIAL AND nylon ropes, winches to pull, refrigeration
SUBSISTENCE facilities so can stay up to 5 to 15 days, 16
FISHERMAN ice factories are working on Makran coast.
Fish farms, Lakes (Mancher
in Dadu, Khairi, and Haleji
in Karachi) Mangla and
Tarbella reservoir, Sukkur
and Kotri barrage, Thatta.
Trout, Rahu, Palla, Thalla,
Mahaseer.
Subsistence: Small wooden
boats (3-5 km) no
refrigeration, small nets,
stays in sea for 1 day.

STEPS BY GOVERNMENT FOR IMPPOVING FISHERIES:

Fisheries training centre, Aqua culture development project, construction of Korangi and Pasni fish
harbor, cold storage, processing and packing centre, fishermen cooperative society, 1002 Gawadar fish
harbor was developed, loans to craftsmen for boat making, training to women for net making,
protection of spawning areas, model village for met office for weather information, marine fishing
department of quality control labs and monitoring of vessels.
REASONS FOR DEVELEOPMENT OF FISHING ALONG SINDH COAST: Creeks, harbor, wider continental
shelf, Indus delta, better export and processing facilities, government priorities, large domestic market.
REASONS FOR MORE PEOPLE IN INLAND FISHING: More population than coastal area, Indus plain more
developed with basic facilities than Makran Coast, other opportunities for employment available like
agriculture and industries.
IMPORTANCE OF FISHING: Less investment and great return, employment, adds to foreign exchange,
reduce burden on livestock and crops.
INTERNATIONAL FISH MARKET: Pakistan exports fish to 30 countries, Japan is the largest market than
USA, UK, France, and Germany. 80% of Makran fish is dried and export to Middle East.
DOMESTIC MARKET: Local fish market through whole seller, fishing centre, street hawkers, door to door
selling, and departmental stores.
METHODS OF MARKETING: Open sea marketing to avoid port charges, auctioned at fish harbor,
marketed locally.
THREATS TO FISH: Water pollution, over fishing, threats to mangroves, by catch, eating babies, increase
in population, destruction of spawning areas, logging mining explosion , industrial waste.
POSSIBILTY FOR FUTURE SUSTAINABLITY OF FISHING: Fix the fishing seasons, strict laws enforcement
for fishing during that season, reforestation of mangroves, protects spawning areas from pollution by
strict industrial laws and port activities monitored for not causing pollution, more fish farms.
FISH FARM: Rectangular fish farm with concrete base, solid mud on banks, shallow water, and fertilizer
is added to the decompose and turn into fish food, water when added gets muddy so limestone is added
to settle the dirt and small size fish of same species is added to farm till it grows and breeds.
ADVANTAGES: Utilizes less space than agriculture for revenue, less investment, waste recycled for
frertilizer industry and poultry feeds industry, good employment opportunities in both marine and
inland fishing. A huge and good source of healthy food to feed fast-growing population.
DISADVANAGES: Sub soil water is pumped out reducing water table, conversion of coastal area into fish
farm has reduced natural breeding grounds for fish, environmental pollution due to fish-waste, air and
water pollution due to huge modern fishing trawlers .

SPECIES/fish-types found in Pakistan:

Inland: Rahu, Malhi , Palla , Thaylla, Manaseer, Gulfam , Grass, Silver, Trout
Marine : Sharks , Drums , Skates, Croakers, Cat-fish , Rays
FISHING IN GWADAR: Deep sea port is feasibility for fishing with an opportunity to provide employment
half of workforce is involved in fishing in Gawadar directly or indirectly (boat making, net making, fish
process). Future development can be training, loans.
Some important questions:
Q1. Why do we have most of fish-farms in Punjab ?
Ans: Explain / elaborate these points in your own words :
the huge network of 5 major rivers full of fish provides tremendous, large-scale, best , ideal & natural
habitates to fish
huge reservoirs of major barrages are ideal for fish-farming
type of soil doesn’t soak much water
tube-wells facility
the world-biggest canal system for regular supply of water in all seasons even many desert areas in
Punjab have also been converted into fertile farm-land which are equally suitable for fish-farming
naturally levelled & plain lands in Punjab are ideal for both fish-farming and agriculture
favourable & friendly environment /climate of Punjab is best/ideal for breeding many types of fish at the
same time e.g. Rahu , Palla, Thaylla , Malhi , Manaseer , grass and silver etc.
Punjab fisheries department is also playing a vital role in promotion of inland fish-farming by providing
them excellent hatcheries , high yield varieties of baby-fish , free of cost technical assistance, survey and
advisory services to fish-farmers.
Q2. We have good number of inland fish farms in Province Sindh but why is this number less than
Punjab?
Ans : Explain / elaborate these points in your own words:
 only one major river Indus with many barrages
 lakes and other water reservoirs get less fresh water due to dames & barrages built on Indus in
upstream areas
 permanently Drought affected areas and huge deserts of Nara and Tharparkar so impossible to
make fish-farms in arid areas of Sindh
Q3. Why do we have less fish farms in KPK ?
Ans : Explain / elaborate these points in your own words :
 un-even land due to hilly areas so it’s not ideal for fish-farming,
 rivers and lakes have a natural & regular supply of water with limited quantity of specific fish-
type “Trout-fish”
 underground water-table is too deep to install tube-wells.
  Climate of KPK is best/ideal only for breeding a small type of fish “TROUT” which is very costly
due to low production/supply.
Q4. Why don’t we have any fish-farm or Inland fishing industry in Balochistan ?
Ans : Explain / elaborate these points in your own words :
 Extremely arid and dry climate
 Extreme shortage of water in both underground and surface water resources.
 Nomadic way of life
 90% area is either rocky or sandy desert especially Kharaan desert.
 No prominent river-system so the biggest source(water) for inland fishing is missing.
 Only salt-water lakes (Playa-lakes) and seasonal lakes are found which are not suitable for
fishing.
 Abundance of marine-fishing ports on Makran-Coast with huge potential, so no need to struggle
for developing inland fishing.

Past Paper Questions from Chapter # 6 : Fishing

Questions:
(a) Study Photograph A (Insert on the next page).
(i) State three ways in which the owner has improved the site for fish farming. [3]
(ii) Name two species of fish reared on fish farms. [2]
(iii) Describe the fishing methods used on a fish farm. [3]
(b) Study Fig. 1, which shows fish production in Pakistan.

(i) Which type of fishing increased from 1997 to 2007? [1]

 (ii) In which year was marine fish production lowest? [1]
(iii) How did the overall total production change from 1997 to 2007? [2]
(c)Explain why fishing and fish farming are important industries in Pakistan. [4]
(d)(i) State three ways in which fish can be stored and processed before sale. [3]
(ii) At the present time, most of the fish catch is processed in Karachi, The ports of Balochistan such as
Gwadar and Pasni have the potential for development.
Q:What ate the advantages and disadvantages of developing fish processing industries in the ports of
Balochistan? [6]

Answer:
(a) (i) 1.Banks of the farm/pond have been lined with mud and stones.
2. Passage between various farms has been lined with bricks to make it compact.
3. Trees have been planted on the banks to provide shade.
(ii) 1. Rahu 2.Grass & Silver — Chinese types
(iii) A fish farmer takes care of feeding the fish kept in the farm. Hygienically prepared meal is given to
the fish. In order to maximise fish yield, animal waste is used. This provides various nutrients suitable for
fish growth. Disinfectants are used to maintain a healthy environment and protect fish against diseases.
Hatching is supervised and, fully grown fish are caught and sold.
(b)(i) Inland and fish farming, (ii) 1997
(iii) Total fish production increased from about 425 in 1997 to 550 thousand tonnes in 2007, Highest
level was about 650 in 2002.
(c)They provide employment to many people, By exporting fish our foreign exchange earnings increase.
Development of fishing and fish farming reduces burden on crops and livestock farming. Fish meat is a
better source of protein than red meat (beef, mutton). Fish waste is used to make poultry feed and
poultry droppings encourage growth of planktons that are food for fish. Fish bones are used as fertil-
izers, and fish oil is a source of vitamin D.
(d)(i) 1. It is preserved by salting. 2. It is dried and canned.
3. It is gutted —intestines are removed.
(ii) Advantages:
 Such activities will provide jobs to the unemployed.
 They will reduce poverty in the local population and improve their living standards.
 Export earnings may be spent on various development schemes near and off the coastal areas.
 They will restrict rural to urban migration.
 Untapped potential of a big coast will be explored by developing Gwadar Port.
Disadvantages:
 Earnings from such industries are low due to the limited value addition.
 Supply of processed fish to big markets of Sindh and Punjab will be more expensive due to long
and difficult distance.
 They might not be feasible due to low demand from markets in Balochistan.
 There are no sources of heavy investment by local investors. There is poorly developed
infrastructure.
Questions :
(a) Study Fig. 2, which shows a map of the coast of Pakistan.

(a)(i) Name on the map, two of the ports shown. [2]

(ii) Name two types of fish caught in the sea near Pakistan. [2]
(b) Study Fig. 3, which shows the contribution to Gross National Product (GNP) of the fishing industry in
Pakistan.
(i) What was the contribution to GNP of the fishing industry in 2010? [1]
(ii) By how much has this figure increased since 2006? [1]
(iii) What is meant by 'over-fishing'? Why does it occur? [3]
(c)Study Fig. 4, which shows the main districts for fish farming in Pakis

(i) Describe the distribution of fish farming in Pakistan. [3]

(ii) Describe how fish are reared on a fish farm. [4]
(d) Give an example of primary, secondary and tertiary employment in the fishing industry.[3]
(e) What are the benefits and problems of developing either marine fishing or inland fish farming in
Pakistan? [6]
Answers: (a) (i)

(ii) 1. Shark 2. Catfish

(b) (i) 56 000 million rupees (ii) 26 000 million rupees
(iii)Over-fishing: It is when more fish are caught than replaced naturally.
Why it occurs: If too many fish is caught which becomes a by - catch. It is too small to be sold. It only
becomes a waste. Mostly/ the fish is caught in the breeding season from May - September.
(c) (i)Fish farming is done in same mountain areas where the rivers flow as swat, Chitral, Dir,
Malakand area. Farms are found in D.I.Khan, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat and Abbottabad. In Punjab, they are
found in the irrigated areas and near the tributaries of Indus e.g. Attock/ Sheikhupura, Gujranwala. In
Sindh, they are found in the areas near the delta of river Indus e.g. Thatta, Badin and Dadu.
(ii) Rectangular ponds are made, clean hygienic water is filled in it. The surface is cemented, The
embankments are solidified with mud or cement. Trees are planted along side to provide shade to fish.
Separate species are bred in separate ponds. Proper feed is provided.
(d) Primary: Fisherman Secondary: Factory worker for canning fish Tertiary: Lorry driver
(e)Choice: Marine fishing
Benefits: Many people get employment better infrastructure as developed ports, roads, display centres
are provided. More food output to provide to the population leading to a balanced diet Shrimps are
exported to Japan to earn foreign exchange.
Problems: Mostly subsistence fishermen use old traditional methods. There is lack of investment in the
sector. The industries on the port dump the chemical water in the sea leading to water pollution it is a
threat to mangroves, breeding grounds for fish.
(c)(i) Name a fishing port on the Sindh coast. [1]
(ii) Describe activities that are involved in the secondary sector of the fishing industry. [4]
(d)To what extent is it possible to develop the fish processing industry further in Pakistan? Give reasons
to support your answer and refer to places or examples you have studied. [6]
(c) (i) Karachi / Korangi
(ii) — Freezing (to preserve for export) — Canning (to preserve for export)
— Salting (to preserve the fish) — Smoking (to give fish a unique taste)
— Gutting, washing (to clean the fish for better hygiene).
— Curing (to dehydrate fish so it can last longer)
(d) Makran Coast is a long undeveloped coast line where now Gwadar has been developed as a new
port. It has a fish harbour with modern facilities. It provides linkages to central Asian States. There is also
a potential at Pasni, Jiwani, Ormara etc. as ice factories have been developed there. The value added
products (canned, frozen, salted) can be exported to earn foreign exchange.
The problems faced are lack of investment by the government to develop the infrastructure
such as roads, electricity, etc. Many processing plants are out of operation and cannot fulfill the
requirements. More capital is needed to expand the industry. However, in my opinion it is possible to
develop fish processing industry if government would support and provide essential facilities for fishing
ports.
Questions:
(a) (i) A Name a species of fish reared on a fish farm. B Give two uses for
the products of fish farms. (ii) Describe the methods used to rear fish on fish farms.
[3]
Answers:
(a) (i) A: Brown Trout / Mahasheer / Palla B: 1. Poultry feed as it is a source of
protein.2. Fish oil is extracted which is used as medicine.
(ii) Rectangular ponds are made which are lined with cement to avoid seepage. Water is filled in them.
Trees are planted on its sides to provide shade and oxygen. Water is enriched with nutrients as fertilized
manure and poultry dropping make its bed for the growth of plankton.
Question:
(c) (i) Name two fishing ports on the Makran Coast. [2]
(ii) Describe the methods used in commercial marine fishing. [3]
(d) To what extent is it possible for marine fishing to be developed sustainably in Pakistan? Give
reasons to support your answer. [6]
Answers:
(c) (i) 1. Gwadar. 2. Pasni.
(ii) In commercial Marine fishing Mechanised boats or trawlers are used to catch the fish.
They can go deep in sea up to 60 km from the coast. Proper refrigerated storage is present, also the
satellite, radars and sonar's are used to detect the weather conditions and shoals of fish in the sea.
(d) Marine fishing can be made sustainable if we avoid over fishing and catching fish in the breeding
season. We must fix a quota for catching fish and licenses are needed from the government. Mangrove
forests must not be cut down as they are breeding ground for fish also laws are made to prevent marine
pollution and oil spills. There are certain problems that they face such as lack of capital, lack of skills and
training and sea pollution as domestic waste and oil spills poison the fish and can be dangerous for
humans in the food chain. It also makes up only about 0.5% of the GDP. In my opinion it is possible to
sustain the marine fishing if we secure the fishing grounds from the foreign fishing trawlers by making
strict laws.
Question:
(b) Study Fig. 2, which shows the weight of marine fish caught 1996-2006.
The weight of fish caught in 2006 was less than in 19%.
(i) Suggest two reasons for this decrease. [2]
(ii) Describe how the weight of fish caught changed in the years between 1996 and 2006 [3]
(c) Describe how marine fishing methods can be improved. [5]

(d) Study Fig. 3.

With reference to Fig. 3, explain the advantages and disadvantages of developing the fishing industry in
Pakistan. [6]
Answers:
(b) (i) 1. Water pollution along Sindh coast because of industrial waste and sewage water from
Karachi. Oil spills from ships also cause pollution.
2. Drastic reduction in area of mangrove forests (along R. Indus and R. Hub delta) has affected
the spawning ground of fish and shrimps near the coast. Over-fishing and fishing from boats of other
contries also cause reduction in fish caught.
(ii) There is a gradual rise in fish caught from 400,000 tonnes in 1996 to 470,000 tonnes in 1999.
With a decline in 2000, there is again a rise in fish caught in 2002 which is maximum with 480,000
tonnes . After 2002 there is a fast decline in 2003 and 2004 after which a slow and gradual decrease is
seen till 2006 when it is 380,000 tonnes. On the whole the fish catch has been fluctuating.
(c) Marine fish are more abundant along Balochistan coast For improvement in fishing the
infrastructure should be developed in coastal areas of Gawadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara etc.
First of all proper docking facilities should be provided. Improvement in fishing technique is
needed. Motorised boats, better and modern nets should be used. Fishermen need education and
training. Ice factories and cold storage facilities should be provided.
Facilities of sonar to locate fish. Satellite navigation and weather forecast should be provided.
(d)Advantages:
 Main advantage is that more people will be employed in fishing industry.
 Increase in fish catch will lead to more exports earning more foreign exchange.
 It would bring more income to fishermen and increase in their standard of living.
 Improvement in technology would lead to better education for workers.
 Increased fish catch would provide nutritious food for the population.
Disadvantages:
 Increased fish catch may lead to over fishing and depletion in fish resources in future.
 Increase in number of trawlers and mechanised boats may cause more water pollution in coastal
areas.
 Imported technology will be expensive and will reduce income of fishermen.
 Improvement in fishing may lead to over-fishing which may reduce fish catch in future.

(a) (i) Study Fig. 2.1, which is a map of the southern coastline of Pakistan. (June-2019)
 IRAN

INDIA

Arabian Sea

Key:
0 100 200
international boundary
km
province-level boundary
fishing port

Fig. 2.1

i- Name two fishing ports on this coastline. [2] (June2019)

Ans: Jiwani; Gwadar; Pasni; Ormara; Sonmiani; Karachi / Keamari

(ii) State 2 uses of fish [2] (June-2019)

Ans: Fish waste for fertiliser;

Money / income / export / selling;

Fish waste for poultry feed / livestock fodder;

Oil / oil extracted (to provide a source of nutrition – vitamins A & D) / medicines;

Food supply / white meat / consumption / eating / healthy food.

Complete the passage about types of marine fishing in Pakistan.

(iii) Choose the correct words from the list and place them in the spaces provided: [2]
(June-2019)

Fish that is caught and sold for profit is known as ...................................... fishing. Many families depend
on this type of fishing for their main source of ...................................... . Fish that is caught by the family
for their own consumption is known as ...................................... fishing. Many people who live near the
coast rely on fish as the main component of their ………………………….

Options : catch commercial diet large income small subsistence traditional

Ans: Fish that is caught and sold for profit is known as commercial fishing. Many families depend on this
type of fishing as their sole source of income. Fish that is caught by the family for their own
consumption is known as subsistence fishing. Many people who live near the coast rely on fish as the
main component of their diet.

(iv) Describe three fishing methods used in marine waters. [3] (June-2019)

Ans: Traditional sailboats / wooden sailboats / small sailboats;

Traditional small (rope / hand crafted) fishing nets used cannot go deep

/ surface fishing only catch small amount of fish;

Fishing rods / lines (with hooks) / fishing poles;

Trawlers / gill netters / mechanised boats / boats with engines;

Modern boats can go further out up to 50–60 kms from the coast;

Stay at sea for 5–15 days / one to three weeks;

Traditional sailboats do not go far from coast;

Radar system / sonar / radios / navigation equipment / fish finders;

Large (nylon / rope) nets which go deep into the sea and catch a large amount of fish / gill nets;

Dynamite / bombs / explosives.

(b) (i) What is a fish farm? [1] (June-2019)

Ans: A fish farm is a (rectangular) artificial pool / pond made for breeding / growing fish.

(ii) Describe the characteristics of a fish farm. [2] (June-2019)

Ans: Rectangular / square / circular ponds;

Man-made / made by humans;

Concrete or cemented impervious base;

Side is edged with solidified mud / edged with concrete;

Trees planted around the fish farm.

(iii) Classify the following fish into the correct category in the table below. An example has
been done for you. (June-2019)
Marine fish Inland or freshwater fish

shark manaseer

Choose from:

Drum rahu croaker catfish skates palla trout

rays thalla / Thaylla grass carp [3]

Ans:
Marine fish Inland or freshwater fish

Drum Rahu

Croaker Palla

Catfish Trout

Skate Thalla

Ray Grass carp

(c) Explain two problems caused by the fishing industry on the natural environment. You should
develop your answer. [4] (June-2019)

Ans: Water pollution; from spillage of oil from the fishing boats (dev);

Overfishing; removes young fish and causes a reduction in species (dev);

Threat to mangroves; die in polluted water so breeding grounds for many fish are lost / habitats lost
(dev);

Damage to ecosystem / ecology; food chains disrupted / species become endangered / extinct (dev);

Air pollution; from trawlers releasing fumes / named fumes, e.g. carbon dioxide into air (dev);

Nets / anchors / dynamite fishing; damage / erode sea bed / corals (dev);

Using illegal nets; removes young fish (dev);

Fish farming; chemicals run off into soils / water leading to eutrophication (dev);

Propeller blades; damage / kill fish (near surface) (dev); Etc.

Note: One mark for identification of appropriate idea and a further mark for development (in
parentheses)…..Max. 2 marks if no development.

A: Developing inland fish farming has greater benefits for the people and economy and is more
sustainable;

B: Developing marine fishing has greater benefits for the people and economy and is more sustainable.

Q: Which view do you agree with more? Give reasons to support your answer and refer to

Examples you have studied. You should consider View A and View B both in your answer: [6]
(June-2019)

Ans: Fishing is an important and growing economic activity in Pakistan. These are the views about the
ways to develop the fishing industry in Pakistan sustainably:

Developing inland fish farming

• Greater return to fishermen / fishing industry;
• Increased employment;
• Use of technology and upgrading of skills will ensure increased fish production;
• Favourable impact on foreign exchange earnings;
• Reduces burden on crop and livestock; Etc.

Developing the marine fishing industry

• Improved facilities are being developed along the coast for preservation and storage;
• Almost all communities along the coast of Balochistan depend on
fishing for their livelihood;
• Infrastructure facilities provided at Gwadar, Ormara and Pasni;
• Ice factories and cold storage developed at Gwadar;
• One fish harbour has been constructed at Pasni;
Could set up fish processing for further employment opportunities / potential to catch a lot of fish; Etc.