| Students Learning Outcome: The academic visit to the Rawal Lake Fish Hatchery, Islamabad (Department of Fisheries, Government of the Punjab) offered students an in-depth understanding of aquaculture systems and hatchery management. During the visit, students observed the hatchery site and were briefed on various stages of seed production, including broodstock selection, feeding, and rearing techniques. Departmental officials highlighted the importance of responsible fish farming for maintaining aquatic biodiversity and ensuring food security. Students were introduced to fish species commonly cultured in Punjab, such as Tilapia, Grass Carp, and Silver Carp. They also received an overview of the Biofloc fish culture technology, learning about its potential role in improving water quality, feed efficiency, and sustainability in aquaculture.An engaging part of the session was the discussion on the role of fish in dengue vector control. Students learned how species like Tilapia and Carp help reduce dengue mosquito populations by consuming their eggs and larvae. This biological method represents an environmentally sustainable approach to public health management, integrating ecology with disease prevention. Students also gained insight into the filtration role of fish gills, which act as biological filters, improving water quality by facilitating oxygen absorption and filtering suspended particles.
Officials further briefed students on the Punjab Fisheries Ordinance, which regulates fishing through a licensing system to prevent overfishing and promote sustainable aquatic resource management. Overall, the visit provided a valuable experiential learning opportunity, strengthening students’ understanding of the link between microbiology, toxicology, aquaculture, environmental sustainability, and public health. It emphasized the vital role of environmental scientists and engineers in developing eco-friendly solutions for sustainable fisheries, water quality enhancement, and biological control of disease vectors. |
