Fish

Geography of Pakistan · Natural resources. The idea in plain words, the rules to remember, the mistake to avoid and a worked example, written and checked by Mega Lecture.

Test this topic free All Geography of Pakistan topics

The idea

Fishing is of two kinds. Marine fishing takes place in the Arabian Sea from ports on the Sindh and Makran coasts. Small boats with simple nets work near the shore, and larger mechanised boats and trawlers work further out. Inland fishing takes place in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and fish farms, which are ponds where fish are bred, fed and harvested.

Fish is food rich in protein, an export (mainly shrimps) and a source of jobs. Waste and small fish become fishmeal for poultry feed.

The industry is threatened by overfishing, small-mesh nets, pollution, loss of mangroves and less fresh water reaching the delta. Sustainable fishing means catching no more than the fish can replace by breeding.

Rules to remember

Sindh coast ports: Karachi, Ibrahim Hyderi, Keti Bandar. Makran coast ports: Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara.
Marine catch: shrimps, pomfret, tuna, sardines, mackerel.
Inland: carp such as rohu and thaila in ponds and lakes; trout in cold northern streams; palla in the Indus.
A trawler is a fishing boat that tows a large net.
Improvements: engines, nylon nets, echo sounders, ice and insulated holds, freezing and canning plants.
Mangroves are nursery grounds for shrimps and young fish.
Sustainable steps: larger mesh, closed breeding seasons, catch limits, protecting mangroves, fish farming.

Common mistake

Fishing in Manchar Lake or Keenjhar Lake is inland fishing, not marine fishing, even though both lakes are in Sindh.

Worked example

The Sindh coast lands more fish than the much longer Makran coast. Why?

The sea off Sindh is shallow over a wide continental shelf, and the Indus brings nutrients that feed plankton and fish.
The mangrove creeks of the Indus delta are breeding grounds for shrimps and fish.
Karachi has a large fish harbour, ice, processing plants, a big market and export facilities.
The Makran coast has few people, a small local market and weaker links to the rest of the country.

Answer: Sindh has richer fishing grounds and far better harbour, processing and market facilities.

Ask about this

Type what you are stuck on. The helper finds the explanation, worked examples and the notes to read, free and instant.

Read the full notes

Geography Key-Terms List

Keep going

← Mineral resources Sources of power →Take a Geography of Pakistan test