Molluscan biodiversity in Pakistan

摘要

The population of Pakistan is 142.5 million, estimated at mid-year 2001, and is increasing at an alarming rate. At present protein consumption is 5-10 kg per capita per annum. This consumption of protein is more from red meat and poultry than fish and shellfish. The protein deficiency is likely to become an even greater problem in the future unless the aquaculture sector can keep up with the population growth. In other Asian countries, such as the Philippines, Korea, Hong Kong, China and Japan, the protein consumption is about 40 kg per capita per annum and is mostly from fish and shellfish. The advantages of the consumption of fish and shellfish are: Low in calories; Excellent source of protein; Low in fat; Source of polyunsaturated fatty acids; Source of minerals and vitamins. The coastline of Pakistan, bounding on the northern Arabian Sea, is one of the most productive areas in the world and is rich in fish and shellfish fauna. The fish and shrimp stocks in our waters are under stress from over exploitation and there is a need to exploit the untapped resources. Among these resources, molluscs occupy the leading place. About 1,100 species of molluscs are known to occur in the northern Arabian Sea, comprising gastropods, bivalves, cephalopods and others. There are, however, only 30 species that could be regarded as commercially important.