Fish Growth, Diversity, and Water Quality Metrics at Chashma Barrage, Pakistan

Freshwater quality is crucial for fish growth and diversity. It is determined through biological, chemical and physical factors. This study investigates the role of freshwater factors in fish growth and diversity at Chashma Barrage. Data is collected weekly from September 2022 to March 2023. Approved Standard Procedures of Analysis of the Association of the Chemists (AOAC) determined different freshwater factors, including temperature, PH, conductivity, salinity, chloride, dissolved oxygen, light penetration, hardness, nitrite, nitrate, TDS, and plankton for 18 fish species. Mean and standard deviation are used to describe the data. Shannon, Simpson, Evenness, and Richness indices are used for fish diversity. Almost all water factors confirm the standard values for fish growth and diversity. It was observed that the cyprinidae family with nine species is dominant. Species from Poeciliidae, Channidae, Siluridae, Mastacembelidae, Schilbeidae, Cichlidae, Bagridae, and Clariidae families were also captured. The Chashma Barrage environment supports aquatic life. Although lake conditions are optimal for fish, fish cannot grow to acceptable levels due to the lack of interest and awareness. The species number in Barrage confirms water quality for fish growth and diversity. By producing fish in large quantities, exports will increase, which will strengthen the economy. Fish quality will improve human health by increasing the per capita consumption rate. Freshwater parameters are adversely affected by anthropogenic activities. The present study suggests that improving fish growth and diversity can attract fish farming and enhance the state of the economy.