Socio-Economic Well-Being through Fishing in Kotri Downstream: Should the River be kept on Flowing?

Abstract

Fishery is one of the natural resources of Pakistan, and Indus River is ideal for fishing. Kotri barrage is the last barrage on the river and the downstream area is utilized for fishing and effluent. The most popular Ilish (Palla fish) is found in Kotri downstream. The production of fish is directly proportionate to the flow of water in the river. The downstream water is considered a waste and extravagant, but that downstream includes 34 landing sites for fishing and cater to 21550 of population on both sides in four districts. The paper aimed to explore the water discharge in Kotri downstream, number of license issued, fish production, and estimated income and correlation among them. It also sought to explore population of landing centers in downstream Kotri and the demand of fish and consumption pattern by survey. The downstream water is livelihood of fishermen, source of delicious and nutritious food which can be traded nationally and internationally and contribute to GDP. A wise management and conservation of water is required, otherwise Kotri downstream area will turn into desert whereas fishermen will turn to beggars.