One day seminar on "Pond Construction and Management" was conducted in the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Wildlife on Wednesday, 15th May, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. The seminar covered various aspects related to pond construction and management such as selecting the right location, designing the pond, choosing appropriate material and maintaining water quality. It provided insights on best practices, common challenges and innovative techniques. Dr. Majid Hussain, In-charge, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Okara, was the resource person for the said event.

A one day workshop on "Exploring Cytogenotoxicity: A Biomarker Perspective" was conducted in the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Wildlife on Friday, 7th June, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. The workshop covered the rapidly evolving application of biomarkers that has become instrumental in understanding the effects of various agents. It was very helpful in providing insights on fundamentals of biomarkers, principles of Cytogenotoxicity assessment, biomarkers selection and validation and advanced techniques and technologies. The session was bifurcated in two parts. A lecture entitled, "Application of biomarker approach in cytogenotoxicity studies" was delivered and after the informative lecture a practical demonstration on "Micronucleus assay" was given. Dr. Ghazala Jabeen, Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Lahore College for Women University was the resource person for the said event.

A series of five (05) trainings was conducted in the Fish Processing and Value Addition Unit with following objectives.

Aims and Objectives of the Training Series:
The aim of this training program is to enhance the knowledge and capacities of the participants on ways to improve value and quality of fisheries products through the use of simple methods and technologies in support of developing small-scale fisheries and aquaculture activities and businesses.
 
The objectives of the training programs are:

1. To share information, experience and best practices on ways to improve quality and value of fisheries product across the value chain;
2. To enhance knowledge on fish storage, handling, post-harvest processing and preservation;
3. To encourage the use of simple methods and technologies to improve the quality and value of fisheries products;
4. To share knowledge on freshwater food safety and quality standards; and
5. To increase the market through improved quality of fisheries products.

 
The Outcomes of the trainings includes:

1. Enhancing knowledge and capacities of participants on fish storage, handling, post-harvest processing and preservation;
2. Sharing of information, best practices and experience on how to improve value and quality of fisheries products;
3. Increased knowledge on the use of simple methods and technologies for improving quality and value of fisheries products;
4. Improved skills on how to optimize market access through improved quality of fisheries products
5. Increase economic benefits of fishing efforts through better products and services.

The aim of this training program was to enhance the knowledge and capacities of students in improving the value and quality of fisheries products through the application of simple methods and technologies, supporting the development of small-scale fisheries activities and businesses. The program included lectures and fish processing laboratory exercises. Participants received hands-on training in fish capture, handling, processing, and packaging of the products.
 

Businesses along the fish value chain constituted the primary livelihood for most individuals. However, these businesses faced challenges that needed to be addressed in order to enhance income generation and improve livelihoods. In response, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture organized a two-day capacity-building workshop to tackle some of these issues for twenty-five (30) participants. The training specifically selected beneficiaries who had not previously attended any sessions at the Fish Processing Unit of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The participants received hands-on training on the equipment used for fish processing.

The program educated participants on effective marketing strategies for fish products produced at UVAS, including approaches for marketing during production and the development of comprehensive business plans for starting new ventures. It delivered valuable insights to the participants, many of whom were recent graduates from M.Phil. degree programs. As a result, these participants gained critical knowledge on entering the business sector, as well as the essential steps required to formulate viable business plans prior to launching their own enterprises. 

The new facility had the capacity to train up to 300 men and women fish processors each year. It also played a role in supporting and improving hygienic fish processing, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting the adoption of new value-added products, including fish smoking technology and surimi-based products. The concept of value addition was emphasized as it created opportunities for new markets, facilitated market penetration, provided a competitive advantage, and mitigated risks. By adding value, owners were able to increase net income, profit margins, and enhance customer satisfaction.  

In this training course, we focused on various processes and methods for adding value to fish products, aimed at increasing profit along the value chain. Surimi, a mechanically deboned, washed (bleached), and stabilized fish flesh, was highlighted as an intermediate product used in the preparation of ready-to-eat seafood such as Kamaboko, fish sausage, crab legs, and imitation shrimp. Ideally, surimi is made from low-value, white-fleshed fish with excellent gelling ability, which are abundant and available year-round. The concept of value addition was emphasized as it creates opportunities for new markets, facilitates market penetration, provides a competitive advantage, and mitigates risks. By adding value, owners could increase net income, profit margins, and enhance customer satisfaction.  

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore organized another International Webinar on Modern Technologies in Aquaculture: Perils and Potentials via Google Meet. The main purpose of the webinar was to exchange views on the advanced technologies and opportunities in Aquaculture which could help Aquaculture to determine its path for the expansion of services and facilities for mankind.