Introduction

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, UVAS was established in 2002 with the up gradation of CVS to UVAS. Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, UVAS has been established to enrich DVM programme with fisheries and aquaculture courses and to conduct education and research programmes leading to undergraduate (4 year BS Hons.) post-graduate (M Phil. and Ph.D.) degrees in specialized disciplines of fisheries science and technology. This is the first university to initiate the BS Hons., degree in fisheries and aquaculture. It will open new arena of developing sector of Fisheries & Aquaculture with lot of opportunities in public & private sector. Department mandate also includes

• To conduct capsule courses for catering to the refresher training needs of fisheries developmental and extension personnel

• To conduct basic and applied research in areas of fisheries science and technology through institutional and collaborative efforts

• To conduct need-based capsule/vocational training on various technologies related to fisheries and allied disciplines

• To provide institutional support for consultancy and participation in sponsored projects and programmes with other institutions and agencies for fisheries research in inland, coastal and marine (both within the exclusive economic zone and beyond ) sectors

Department is creating additional and alternative careers for veterinarians and biologist in the area of fisheries and aquaculture sector. Specialization in fisheries & aquaculture sciences prepares the students for employment in commercial aquaculture, aquaculture extension, fish hatchery management, natural resource management, environmental impact assessment and sustainable development. The faculty intends to equip the students with necessary expertise & skills to cater the growing employment needs of this sector in the country and abroad.

  Staff Position

Professor and Chairperson

Prof. Dr. Naureen Aziz Qureshi

Eminent Researcher / Educationist

Dr. Muhammad Nazir Bhatti

Assistant Professor

Muhammad Yamin Janjua

Noor Khan

Lecturer

Muhammad Hafeez-Ur-Rehman

Fayyaz Rasool

  Mission

To provide excellence in higher education, training, research and development, services and advice in the fields of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture thus contributing to economic and social development of our country. Our purpose is to improve knowledge of aquatic stocks and their selection, enhancement and culture to generate sustainable productive benefits of aquatic resources for poor people. We are aware strong research correlates with booming aquaculture

• A unique faculty with global ideas and vision

• Teaching and research in fisheries, aquaculture, ecology, biodiversity, wildlife management and conservation biology

• Provide knowledge related to sustainable development, aquaculture, biodiversity conservation

• Enrichment and diversification of Veterinary and Animal Science (DVM, BS (Hons.) M.Phil and Ph.D)

• Scholarly research, extension education and public outreach programmes

  Linkages

International:

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has already established international link with Aquaculture Wales (AqWa), University of Wales, Swansea, UK under Higher Education Commission British Council Joint Linkage Program. Aim and objectives of this programme were:

• Development of the research and training capacity of the HEI's in Pakistan;

• Improved teaching methodologies;

• Improved management systems within the departments;

• Course and curriculum development;

• Faculty development

National:

• Department of Fisheries, Punjab Government

• Department of Zoology, Punjab University Lahore

• University of Karachi (CEMB & MRCC)

• National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Karachi

• National Institute of Agriculture Biotechnology (NIAB)

• WWF- Pakistan

• Lahore Zoo

• Wildlife & Parks Department, Punjab

• Veterinary Research Institute, Lahore

  Research & Training

Department will carry out research in both basic and applied aspects in the frontier areas such as development of cost-effective inducing agents for fish breeding; breeding and rearing of ornamental fishes; culture of edible seaweeds and preparation of food products; fish pathology and immunology; fish nutrition; biotechnology; aquatic environment; fish genetics; new candidate species for aquaculture; judicious management of aquatic living resources; etc. Collaborative research efforts with sister institutes will form an important component of the Institute's research.

Department is developing short term training programs on various aspects of fisheries for fisher folk, aqua farmers, entrepreneurs and other interested enthusiasts. Department has manpower and system of rendering fishery advisory service in which the entrepreneurs, aqua farmers etc will be given on the spot expert guidance on their technical problems relating to fisheries and aquaculture. Organizing aqua-exhibitions and seminars are routine features of department?s extension activities. Department has developed extension literature on user-friendly technological packages in Urdu language.

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture UVAS also offers consultancy on various aspects of fisheries , viz. seed production and grow out operation of carps; hatchery management and farming of freshwater prawn hatchery and grow out operation of shrimps; use of bio-fertilizers in aquaculture; aquaculture in ground saline water ponds; disease diagnosis and their control in aquaculture; advanced techniques in aquatic biotoxicology; engineering aspects of aquaculture ; EIA studies related to fisheries and aquaculture projects; socio economic impact assessment relating to fisheries and aquaculture.

  Research Priorities

• Integrated fish farming

• Fish health management

• Fisheries management in lakes and reservoirs

• Fish farming in saline waters

• Development of local induced spawning agent

• Sustainable fisheries management

• Fish genetics

• Fish ecology

• Pond fertilization

• Fish nutrition

  Research Projects

• A mega project submitted to NARC on Genetic Improvement of Culturable Fish Species in Pakistan

• Development of Potentials of Tilapia Culture with Improved Strains and Hatchery Systems especially for the Saline Areas of Pakistan

  Development Projects

1. Establishment of Research and Training Facilities for Fisheries and Aquaculture at New Campus Bhuniky, Pattoki. Funded by HEC, (32.652 Million) 2005-2007.

2. HEC-BC Joint Higher Education Link Programme between Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, UVAS, and Aquaculture Wales University of Wales Swansea, UK. (2004-2007) Rs. 2.2 Million.

3. Upgradation of the Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, UVAS, submitted to HEC (Rs. 401million )

4. Strengthening/Upgradation of Department Laboratories and Library at New Campus, Pattoki. Submitted to HEC (Rs.1.0 million).