Title front - Sindh Board Of Investment, Government Of Sindh

OverviewAcross the world, the intake of seafood is on the rise because it is not only a rich source of animal proteinbut also that of minerals and good cholesterol among many other ingredients. In addition, the terrestrialsources of food supply are under strain because of rapid population growth and, as such, there is aneed to diversify food sources. Sindh is blessed with a vast array of fisheries resources. It has a coastlineof 352 km which contains 71% of Pakistan’s fisheries resources. The coastal waters are well-suited forfisheries production with just the right salinity and temperature characteristics. Indus Delta spread over40,000 hectares consists of 18 major natural creeks along with a large number of smaller creeks,backwaters, and mudflats all of which are naturally suited for fisheries production. The Indus Delta hasthe potential to produce 800 million kgs of fish and shrimp in the medium term. Although the contributionof fisheries sector in GDP is a mere 1%, the sector provides direct employment to 400,000 people andindirect employment to another 600,000. Therefore, fisheries sector has assumed great salience in theeconomy of Sindh in general and Pakistan in particular.Market AnalysisIn contrast to other countries, the coastalbelt of Sindh has over 40 species of fish andshellfish and 15 species of shrimp. However,four shrimp varieties are dominant in thecoastal region of Sindh: penaeus indicus(Indian White Shrimp), penaeus merguiensis(Banana Shrimp), penaeus monodon (TigerShrimp) and penaeus vannamei (PacificWhite Shrimp). Climatic specifications ofSindh’s coastal belt are as follows:Major marine species of fish found in the costal belt of Sindh are as under:Red SnapperMilkfishBlackPomfretGrouperSea BassStripedThreadfinAir TemperatureWater TemperatureSalinityHighest tideMean High TideMean Sea Level5 – 41 celsius8 – 34 celsius0 – 47 ppt3.84 m3.20 m2.06 mGrey MulletBrownStripedGrouperRed MulletSea BreamSindh - The Land of Endless Opportunities