Timely action saves lives of trout fish
It is feared that if no concrete measures are taken, it may result in the eventual extinction of trout from River Kunhar. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
Due to timely action, the lives of thousands of trout fish that were dying due to fungal disease in the Kunhar River, have been saved.
In the last two weeks, dead trout floated to the surface of the Kunhar River from Naran to the Balakot area in large numbers.
The team of the Punjab Fisheries Department has discovered the reason behind the death of trout the fish in Kunhar River.
Experts discovered that the temperature of Kunhar River was four degrees Celsius when the trout fish were infected, although it requires a temperature between 8-12 degrees Celsius for surviving.
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They discovered that the current season is the breeding season of trout fish and they could contract different diseases due to weak immune systems.
The experts said that mud also plays an important role in protecting trout fish from fungus and bacteria but the mud did not reach the Kunhar River due to lack of rain in the past few months.
On the other hand, Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) Chairman Dr Aimal Zaman said the trout fish is the identity of the Kunhar River. The experts of the fisheries department were called immediately and they helped save the fish from the disease.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 10th, 2021.