First Study on the Fish Fauna and Fisheries Resources of Kalmat Khor - A Coastal Lagoon on Balochistan Coast, Pakistan (Northern Arabian Sea)

The research study presents first record of fish fauna and fisheries resources of Kalmat Khor during October 2020 to September 2021. A coastal lagoon with a unique and remarkable location on the coastline of Pakistan, bordering the northern Arabian Sea. The area exhibits rich aquatic biodiversity and features an excellent water body that provides spawning, feeding, and shelter grounds for economically important finfish and shellfish. Coastal lagoons and baysknown to be of excellent environmental and viable value, offering various habitats those serve as breeding, nursery, feeding, and refuge areas for numerous aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Since the Kalmat Khor is a data-deficient area, no information, published data, or reports are available hence, the present study presents a vital contribution to the scientific understanding of this coastal lagoon ecosystem.The area depicts significant socioeconomic dependence on the fishing operations conducted in Kalmat Khor. The lagoon is inhabited by 45 fish species belonging to 27 families, all of which are purely marine species. The most abundant fish species Arius maculates, Sardinella sindensis, Thryssa dussumieri, Planiliza subviridis, and Otolithes ruber and the most dominant percentage composition of fish families Dorosomatidae (14%), Carangidae (11%), and Mugilidae (10%) were observed. It is interesting to note that fish fauna varies according to the location and depth of the lagoon. The community is well-informed about the local ecosystem, fish species, and resource management practices. Their clear understanding of sustainable development shows strict compliance with the management strategies for fisheries and other natural resources.