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Detailed Ecological Assessment Report 2008 – Keti Bunder
species of Sciaenidae, Protonibes diacanthus, Nemipterus japonicus and species of
Trichiuridae are of common abundance from both Sindh and Balochistan regions.
Species which are only represented in higher number from Sindh Epinephelus,
Lutjanus, Sillagnids, Acanthopagrus, Parastromateus niger and species of
Trichiuridae. Species more common from Balochistan are Epinephelus, species of
Sciaenidae, Posys, Rachycentron canadium, Pampus argenteus, Species of
Carangoides, Coryhaena hippurus. Most of the species had peak some time in 1995
or in 2000 after that decline in their catch is observed (Anon, 2003). Except few
species all observed species are over fished. The reduction of catch is due to the
modern mechanized fishing techniques and greater investment input, which results
in the addition of higher number of unplanned efforts (Anon, 2006b). Somewhat
common in occurrence throughout the coastal areas are the two groups of flounders
Psettodes and Cynoglossus. The other groups that belong to continental fauna are
the fishes of families Balistidae, Tetrodontidae, Ostraciontidae and Zaidae which
sometimes constitute the major portion of trawl catches (Hussain and Ali-Khan,
1980, 1982 a & b; Khaliluddin, 1975). The detail fish production during 1989 – 2006
from the coast of Pakistan is given in table.1.
3.5.3 Species account
Table 12 and 13 give the details of fish species recorded from Keti Bunder during
summer and winter surveys.
3.5.4 Environmental features of Indus delta close to Keti Bunder:
Indus delta all along its creeks is shallow of about 2.5 m with some scour holes
of 4 m depth in average. The information provided by the fishermen and
available data the greatest depth of 9 m has been reported at some areas
along the Indus delta. Width of the delta range from 750 m – 1050 m Average
tidal level may be 0.27 – 1.95 m. Tides in the delta are mixed and
characterized by progressive wave extending to 175 km upstream. The
average tide levels are 1.678 m and in neap tide 0.88 m.
Salinity in most of the creeks during the period of September was noted as
20‰. The salinity is subject to change at places where seawater intrusion is
expected during southwest monsoon. It may even reduce during rain and in NE
monsoon period. Highest temperature at the surface is reported as 28 0 C.
Temperature in the estuary follow seasonal changes minimum temperature
reported as 13 0 C as observed in the month of February.
3.5.5 Current velocities as reported to be bi-directional simultaneous
currents
Dissolved oxygen at the surface was recorded as 5mg/l in Kharo Chann Creek
and 3.5 mg/l at Chann Creek. Kharo Chann is main hub of the delta that
connects the river to sea. Till September the salinity in the area is low about
1ppt in November sea water intrudes the delta and the salinity increases
resulting the destruction of major agriculture and Fisheries resources.
WWF Pakistan – Indus for All Programme Page 63 of 188