LAHORE:The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore observed the World Fisheries Day with the theme of ‘Sustainable fisheries: Building a future for everyone’ here at Ravi Campus Pattoki, on Tuesday.
Various activities including awareness walk, seminar, value added products development & models of modern aquaculture competition were organised to mark the day in a befitting manner. Dean Faculty of Animal Production and Technology Prof Dr Saima presided over the seminar while Chairman Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Chairman Department of Wildlife & Ecology/Principal Office Ravi Campus Dr Arshad Javid, Deputy Director from Department of Fisheries Muhammad Ashraf, Managing Director Punjab Agri Farms Saad Yousaf, fisheries professionals from public and private organisations, fish feed representatives from industries, fish farmers, stakeholders and a large number of students and faculty members attended.
Addressing the audience, Prof Dr Saima said that fisheries and aquaculture were playing a remarkable role in national economy and food security. She said fisheries sector contribute directly to food supplies, sources of livelihood, export earnings and boosting economic structure. Fish eating habits and fish intake per person should be increase that would not be in specific months but should be used round the year she added.
Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman highlighted the critical importance of healthy ocean ecosystems and to ensure sustainable stocks of fisheries in the world and the journey of fisheries and aquaculture sector of Pakistan. He emphasised that the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture UVAS was also playing a role in the uplift of the of sector.
Earlier, Prof Dr Saima, along with Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Dr Arshad Javid and other speakers visited the new products of ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat displayed on the stalls prepared by the students and appreciated their efforts.
Later, they led the walk while a large number of stakeholders, students and faculty members were participated.
At the end of seminar, they distributed prizes among the winners.