A comparative analysis on expansion of Pakistan fisheries trade: World & China

1643-1650China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a major pillar of Belt and Road initiative project of Chinese Government. China has investing billions of US$s in Pakistan to forestall the major energy crises, bilateral trade and mutual development. This research article describes the comparative analysis of fisheries products exported from Pakistan to china and rest of the world. An in-depth analysis is done on cooperation position and coming possibilities in export by fisheries product between Pak-China. On this basis, we will explore into how the “Belt and Road Initiative” will promote further expansion of China-Pakistan Economic Trade Cooperation and propose specific measures for China-Pakistan to expand economic and trade cooperation. China is the one of the biggest export markets of fisheries products from Pakistan. China has imported and exported 39599 thousand tons of fisheries products and this figure is expected increase in future. The annual growth in value from 2014 to 2018 exports of fish & fishery products from Pakistan to the China registered high growth in fresh or chilled (0302) fish products which increased by 20 %, 18 % growth is observed in dried or salted (0305), 17 % growth in live fish (0301) and 13 % in frozen fish (0303) products. While, the annual growth in export value from 2014 to 2018 to the World have registered an increase at 14 % in fish fleets (0304), 12 % in Molluscs (0307), 11 % in frozen fish (0303) and 10 % in dried or salted (0305) fish products

Resource evaluation, stock, growth and mortality of the Bombay duck (Harpodon nehereus Hamilton, 1822) fishery in the coastal waters of Pakistan

1222-1228Bombay duck, Harpadon nehereus (Hamilton, 1822), harvested mainly by dol nets, has been a prolific fishery in the northern Arabian Sea. Monthly length composition data for H. nehereus, landed at the Karachi Fish Harbor (KFH) from July 2014 to June 2015 was used to determine growth, mortality and stock evaluation. Total  2252 specimen with an average of 19.171 ± 2.659 cm TL (14 to 28 cm total length), an average of 45.254 ± 23.113 g of 9 to 174 g (total body weight) analyzed. The data used in FiSAT-II applying ELEFAN-I package for estimating population dynamics. The estimated the growth parameters of von Bertalanffy L∞ = 29.40 cm, K = 0.610 year-1 and t0 = -0.359 year-1 with a phi φ’ = 2.722. The length-weight relationship was W = 0.001L3.477 (R2 = 0.918) and b > 3 is described as positive allometric growth. Total mortality was calculated at Z = 1.800 year-1, natural mortality estimated at M = 1.276 year-1 at 27 °C in addition, fishing mortality rate was 0.524 year-1 is not much higher than the safe level (Fopt = 0.638 year-1) and a little below edge (Flimit = 0.850 year-1) biological reference points. Due to mortality and exploitation rate (E = 0.291 < 0.50), the population stock and reserves were underutilized

Economics of open-access fisheries: A case of factors affecting the revenue of coastal or inshore longline fisheries in Pakistan

52-59This study attempts to determine the effects and strength of association of several techno-economic factors affecting the revenue for a sample of open-access inshore longline boats in the coastal waters of Pakistan. Prior research focuses on two non-parametric test statistics, namely Spearman’s rank correlation and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance for the estimation of coefficients due to the non-normal distribution of the data. The estimated values of correlation coefficients for the catch (ρrevenue, catch = 0.721, τb = 0.567), trips (ρrevenue, trips = 0.707, τb = 0.574) and crew (ρrevenue, crew = 0.715, τb = 0.587) indicates a strong positive relationship on revenue generation. Similarly, the intercorrelations between the crew on the catch (ρcrew, catch = 0.56, τb = 0.45) and crew on trips (ρcrew, trips = 0.55 τb = 0.47) also show a strong positive association in Spearman’s rank correlation while the Kendall’s correlation shows a weak relationship. Furthermore, the estimated values of engine speed show a very weak association with revenue (ρrevenue, engine = 0.25, τb = 0.18). Conclusively, the revenue increases with the increase in fish catch, sea trips and the number of crew members on board. Additionally, the results of engine speed signify that the coastal fishery is a less fuel-efficient and economically viable business for the fishermen community in the country

Growth Pattern and Morphological Variation of Labeo calbasu Found in Indus River, Sindh-Pakistan

The present work reports the length–weight relationships (LWR) and condition factor relationships for Labeo calbasu collected from Upstream (Matyari) Kotri barrage at, River Indus, Pakistan, because stock assessment helps the fisheries managers to conserve the commercially important fish. Morphological characters of fish as well as Length-weight relationship are an important tool for fishery management. The results of LWR (W= aLb), for L calbasu.  Representing negative allometric growth pattern. LWRs and condition factor relationships were found significantly correlated. A total of 200 and 190 specimens from upstream and downstream were collected, respectively. The assessed values of length-weight correlation and condition factor were calculated as Kn=39.663 (LeCren), and K=11.915 (Fulton) for upstream and Kn=44.066 and K=13.872 for downstream. Length-weight was found with a strong correlation of n= 2.892, a=0.0235 with r2=0.934 for upstream population then the downstream population.  The results of this work would be beneficial for sustainable management as well as fishery managers. 

Assessment approach of production models to commercial pelagic catch and effort data of Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta, Cuvier, 1816) in the Arabian Sea

Globally, Reference Points (RPs) indicators are usually lifted in the science of fisheries management for the alternative running objectives and tracking the condition of fisheries. The Fox Model (FM) and Logistic Model (LM) in A Stock Production Model Incorporates Covariates (ASPIC) estimated F = 0.062 – 0.132 and F = 0.059 – 0.126 from 2003 to 2018 with F/FMSY showing an increased inclination from 0.628 to 1.346 and 1.027 to 2.179, respectively. Estimated Starting Biomass (B) = 520800 – 263100 MT and B = 541000 – 277000 MT from population trajectory (Non-bootstrapped) sharply decreased to the ratio of biomass to BMSY (B/BMSY) 2.810 – 1.420 and 2.075 – 1.063, respectively. Furthermore, the uncertainties reported in Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) (18210 – 15050 MT), FMSY (0.098 – 0.058) and BMSY (185300 – 260700 MT) from FM and LM was also estimated in ASPIC using 0.8 Initial Proportion (IP) of starting Maximum Catch (MC) that was 80 %. According to Target Reference Points (TRPs), CEDA and ASPIC (11000 – 18000 MT and 15000 – 18000 MT) range also indicate overexploitation of the Indian mackerel in the Arabian Sea of Pakistan. Estimated Predicted Yield (PY) of 28841 MT in 2003 and even Recent Catch (RC) of 19421 MT in 2018 is far away from harvested yield values of 31126 and 33658 MT and even MC of 38504 MT, pinpointing this research in a questionable and overexploitation state. Ideally, Fishing Effort (FE) should be reduced at the level of PY which is approximately 12000 fishing vessels (19421 MT) against the current engaged FE of about 19000 fishing vessels (33658 MT) in 2018 for the Indian mackerel fishery in Pakistan. In order to prevent this huge economic loss and to reduce the efforts of fisheries, it is suggested that strict and immediate measures should be followed by the policy makers and law enforcement organizations against the mesh size and illegal nets for this type of commercially important fishery

Comparative assessment of serum biochemical profile in riverine and cultured populations of Channa marulius (Hamilton, 1822)

1010-1016Serum biochemical assessment is an important tool to provide information about the internal organs, metabolic and nutritional parameters and electrolytes. Present study was conducted to determine the serum biochemistry of Channa marulius in hatchery and riverine populations. For this purpose blood samples were collected by caudal vein puncture. Inferences of the study showed non-significantly (p ≥ 0.05) higher values of calcium 10.24 mmol/L as compared to lower 9.66 mmol/L whereas, significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher values of serum globulin 21.06 g/L, total protein 53.0 g/L, albumin 14.87 g/L, cholesterol 6.116 mmol/L, alanine transaminase 530 U/L and alkaline phosphatase 398 µ/L were observed in cultured populations as compared to lower 20.40 g/L, 44.84 g/L, 12.30 g/L, 5.084 mmol/L, 453 U/L and 255 µ/L in riverine populations. On the other side, non-significantly (p ≥ 0.05) higher values of serum triglyceride 0.674 mmol/L as compared to lower 0.604 mmol/L, while significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher values of glucose 28.43 g/L, urea 2.541 mmol/L, bilirubin 28.20 µmol/L, chlorine 70.3 mmol/L, potassium 13.43 mmol/L, sodium 126.5 mmol/L and aspartate transaminase 1169 U/L in riverine populations as compared to lower 23.89 g/L, 2.17 mmol/L, 26.23 µmol/L, 61.9 mmol/L, 12.08 mmol/L, 111.2 mmol/L and 1029 U/L were recorded in cultured populations, respectively. Findings of the study will be helpful in the field of biochemistry, physiology and toxicology as well as to enhance the management and rearing potential of the Chnanna marulius

Assessment approach of production models to commercial pelagic catch and effort data of Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta, Cuvier, 1816) in the Arabian Sea

78-93Globally, Reference Points (RPs) indicators are usually lifted in the science of fisheries management for the alternative running objectives and tracking the condition of fisheries. The Fox Model (FM) and Logistic Model (LM) in A Stock Production Model Incorporates Covariates (ASPIC) estimated F = 0.062 – 0.132 and F = 0.059 – 0.126 from 2003 to 2018 with F/FMSY showing an increased inclination from 0.628 to 1.346 and 1.027 to 2.179, respectively. Estimated Starting Biomass (B) = 520800 – 263100 MT and B = 541000 – 277000 MT from population trajectory (Non-bootstrapped) sharply decreased to the ratio of biomass to BMSY (B/BMSY) 2.810 – 1.420 and 2.075 – 1.063, respectively. Furthermore, the uncertainties reported in Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) (18210 – 15050 MT), FMSY (0.098 – 0.058) and BMSY (185300 – 260700 MT) from FM and LM was also estimated in ASPIC using 0.8 Initial Proportion (IP) of starting Maximum Catch (MC) that was 80 %. According to Target Reference Points (TRPs), CEDA and ASPIC (11000 – 18000 MT and 15000 – 18000 MT) range also indicate overexploitation of the Indian mackerel in the Arabian Sea of Pakistan. Estimated Predicted Yield (PY) of 28841 MT in 2003 and even Recent Catch (RC) of 19421 MT in 2018 is far away from harvested yield values of 31126 and 33658 MT and even MC of 38504 MT, pinpointing this research in a questionable and overexploitation state. Ideally, Fishing Effort (FE) should be reduced at the level of PY which is approximately 12000 fishing vessels (19421 MT) against the current engaged FE of about 19000 fishing vessels (33658 MT) in 2018 for the Indian mackerel fishery in Pakistan. In order to prevent this huge economic loss and to reduce the efforts of fisheries, it is suggested that strict and immediate measures should be followed by the policy makers and law enforcement organizations against the mesh size and illegal nets for this type of commercially important fishery

Congenital high myopia and central macular atrophy: a report of 3 families

AIMS: To report the clinical phenotype in a series of four children from three families with the rare association of high myopia, central macular atrophy, and normal full-field electroretinography (ERG). METHODS: Four male patients were ascertained with reduced vision, nystagmus, and atrophy of the macula from early childhood. Patients underwent full ophthalmic examination, electrophysiological testing, and retinal imaging. RESULTS: Minimum duration of follow-up was 8 years. At last review, visual acuity ranged from 0.22 to 1.20 logMAR (6/9.5–6/95 Snellen) at a mean age of 10.5 years (median 9.5 years, range 9–14 years). Refractive error ranged from a spherical equivalent of −7.40 D to −24.00 D. Three had convergent squint. Fundus examination and imaging demonstrated bilateral macular atrophy in all patients that varied from mild atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to well-demarcated, punched-out atrophic lesions of retina, RPE, and choroid. Flash ERG was normal under photopic and scotopic conditions in all patients. Pattern ERG, performed in three patients, was consistent with mild to severe macular dysfunction. Progression of the area of atrophy was evident in one patient and of the myopia in two patients but all patients had stable visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with congenital high myopia and macular atrophy present in infancy with reduced visual acuity and nystagmus. The macular atrophic lesions vary in size and severity but electrophysiological testing is consistent with dysfunction confined to the macula. There was no deterioration in visual acuity over 8–10 years of monitoring

Genome-wide linkage and haplotype sharing analysis implicates the <i>MCDR3</i> locus as a candidate region for a developmental macular disorder in association with digit abnormalities

<p><i>Background</i>: Developmental macular disorders are a heterogeneous group of rare retinal conditions that can cause significant visual impairment from childhood. Among these disorders, autosomal dominant North Carolina macular dystrophy (NCMD) has been mapped to 6q16 (<i>MCDR1</i>) with recent support for a non-coding disease mechanism of <i>PRDM13</i>. A second locus on 5p15-5p13 (<i>MCDR3</i>) has been implicated in a similar phenotype, but the disease-causing mechanism still remains unknown.</p> <p><i>Methods</i>: Two families affected by a dominant developmental macular disorder that closely resembles NCMD in association with digit abnormalities were included in the study. Family members with available DNA were genotyped using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Mapping 250K Sty array. A parametric multipoint linkage analysis assuming a fully penetrant dominant model was performed using MERLIN. Haplotype sharing analysis was carried out using the non-parametric Homozygosity Haplotype method. Whole-exome sequencing was conducted on selected affected individuals.</p> <p><i>Results</i>: Linkage analysis excluded <i>MCDR1</i> from the candidate regions (LOD < –2). There was suggestive linkage (LOD = 2.7) at two loci, including 9p24.1 and 5p15.32 that overlapped with <i>MCDR3</i>. The haplotype sharing analysis in one of the families revealed a 5 cM shared IBD segment at 5p15.32 (<i>p</i> value = 0.004). Whole-exome sequencing did not provide conclusive evidence for disease-causing alleles.</p> <p><i>Conclusions</i>: These findings do not exclude that this phenotype may be allelic with NCMD <i>MCDR3</i> at 5p15 and leave the possibility of a non-coding disease mechanism, in keeping with recent findings on 6q16. Further studies, including whole-genome sequencing, may help elucidate the underlying genetic cause of this phenotype and shed light on macular development and function.</p