INTRODUCTION

A fishery is an entity engaged in raising and harvesting fish, which is determined by some authority to be a fishery. A fishery is typically defined in terms of the people involved, species or type of fish, area of water or seabed, method of fishing, class of boats, purpose of the activities or a combination of the foregoing features. Fishing is one of the oldest occupations for people who live near lakes, rivers and seas; with the progress of civilization, fishing communities started breeding fishes on farms this is also known as aqua culture. Fisheries sector occupies a very important place in the socio-economic development of the country. It has been recognized as a powerful income and employment generator as it stimulates growth of a number of subsidiary industries, and is a source of cheap and nutritious food besides being a foreign exchange earner. Most importantly, it is the source of livelihood for a large section of economically backward population of the country. OVERVIEW Capture fisheries and aquaculture supplied the world with about 142 million tonnes of fish in 2008 (Table 1 and Figure 1; all data presented are subject to rounding). Of this, 115 million tonnes was used as human food, providing an estimated apparent per capita supply of about 17 kg (live weight equivalent), which is an all-time high (Table 1 and Figure 2). Aquaculture accounted for 46 percent of total food fish supply, a slightly lower proportion than reported in The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2008 owing to a major downward revision of aquaculture and capture fishery production statistics by China (see below), but representing a continuing increase from 43 percent in 2006. Outside China, per capita supply has remained fairly static in recent years as growth in supply from aquaculture has offset a small decline in capture fishery production and a rising population (Table 2). In 2008, per capita food fish supply was estimated at 13.7 kg if data for China are excluded. In 2007, fish accounted for 15.7 percent of the global populations intake of animal protein and 6.1 percent of all protein consumed. Globally, fish provides more than 1.5 billion people with almost 20 percent of their average per capita intake of animal protein, and 3.0 billion people with at least 15 percent of such protein. In 2007, the average annual per capita apparent fish supply in developing countries was 15.1 kg,

and 14.4 kg in low-income food-deficit countries (LIFDCs). In LIFDCs, which have a relatively low consumption of animal protein, the contribution of fish to total animal protein intake was significant at 20.1 percent and is probably higher than that indicated by official statistics in view of the under recorded contribution of small-scale and subsistence fisheries. China remains by far the largest fish-producing country, with production of 47.5 million tonnes in 2008 (32.7 and 14.8 million tonnes from aquaculture and capture fisheries, respectively). Aquaculture continues to be the fastest-growing animal-food-producing sector and to outpace population growth, with per capita supply from aquaculture increasing from 0.7 kg in 1970 to 7.8 kg in 2008, an average annual growth rate of 6.6 percent. It is set to overtake capture fisheries as a source of food fish. While aquaculture production (excluding aquatic plants) was less than 1 million tonnes per year in the early 1950s, production in 2008 was 52.5 million tonnes, with a value of US$98.4 billion.

The fish sector is a source of income and livelihood for millions of people around the world. Employment in fisheries and aquaculture has grown substantially in the last three decades, with an average rate of increase of 3.6 percent per year since 1980. It is estimated that, in 2008, 44.9 million people were directly engaged, full time or, more frequently, part time, in capture fisheries

or in aquaculture, and at least 12 percent of these were women. This number represents a 167 percent increase compared with the 16.7 million people in 1980. It is also estimated that, for each person employed in capture fisheries and aquaculture production, about three jobs are produced in secondary activities, including post-harvest, for a total of more than 180 million jobs in the whole of the fish industry. Moreover, on average, each jobholder provides for three dependants or family members. Thus, the primary and secondary sectors support the livelihoods of a total of about 540 million people, or 8.0 percent of the world population. Employment in the fisheries sector has grown faster than the worlds population and than employment in traditional agriculture. The 44.9 million people engaged in the sector in 2008 represented 3.5 percent of the 1.3 billion people economically active in the broad agriculture sector worldwide, compared with 1.8 percent in 1980. The majority of fishers and aquaculturists are in developing countries, mainly in Asia, which has experienced the largest increases in recent decades, reflecting in particular the rapid expansion of aquaculture activities. In 2008, 85.5 percent of fishers and fish farmers were in Asia, followed by Africa (9.3 percent), Latin America and the Caribbean (2.9 percent), Europe (1.4 percent), North America (0.7 percent) and Oceania (0.1 percent). China is the country with the highest number of fishers and fish farmers, representing nearly one-third of the world total. Although capture fisheries continue to provide by far the greater number of jobs in the primary sector, it is apparent that the share of employment in capture fisheries is stagnating or decreasing and increased opportunities are being provided by aquaculture. According to the estimates based on the available data for 2008, fish farmers accounted for one-quarter of the total number of workers in the fisheries sector, totalling almost 11 million people. Since 1990, fish farmers have experienced the greatest increases in their numbers, with most of the growth occurring in Asia, particularly in China, where the number of fish farmers increased by 189 percent in the period 19902008.

Fish Stocks and Fish Harvests

Demersal fish. These are bottom-living fish such as cod and haddock. These species tend to concentrate on broad continental shelves, especially of the North Atlantic.

Pelagic fish. Pelagic fishes are species that inhabit the water column, such as herring, mackerel, anchovy, and tuna. The most spectacular fish catches are made of surface-shoaling pelagic species. Demersal fishes and Pelagic fishes combines make up the majority of the fish catch-about 72 million tons per year.

Crustaceans. This group consists of bottom-dwelling species (crabs and lobsters) as well as swimming invertebrates (krill, shrimp)Crustacean fisheries are important to many countries and regions, such as the Chesapeake Bay of the U.S. About 4 million tons of this group are harvested each year.

Molluscs and Cephalopods. These include various species of squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. More cephalopod stocks are harvested by the Japanese than by any other nation. They also serve as an important source of protein for many Mediterranean and developing countries. About 2.5 million tons of cephalopods are harvested each year.

Marine mammals. This group has been heavily exploited for oil and meat, although they make a relatively small portion of the global fish catch. Following the commercial extinction of the large baleen whales such as the blue, humpback, and fin, smaller species such as the minke and sei are being taken. Dolphins and porpoises are hunted locally, particularly in some tropical archipelagos.

2. The Importance of Fish Why are we concerned about the status of our global fisheries? In addition to more lofty environmental reasons, such as the preservation of biodiversity, humans have stock in the status of our world's fisheries. Here are some statistics to give you an idea of the scope of human dependence on marine life:

Over 90% of the world's living biomass is contained in the oceans, which cover 71% of the Earth's surface. At present, we harvest about 0.2% of marine production. (You might think that there is room for growth).

Marine sources provide about 20% of the animal protein eaten by humans. Another 5% is provided indirectly via livestock fed with fish. 60% of fish consumption is by the developing world.

In Asia, about 1 billion people rely on fish as their primary source of protein. Estimates suggest that seafood production from wild fish stocks will be insufficient to meet growing U.S. and Global demand for seafood products in the next century.

The fishing enterprise employs some 200 million people worldwide.

STATUS OF FISHERIES SECTOR IN PAKISTAN Fishery and fishing industry plays an significant part in the national economy of Pakistan. With a coastline of about 814 km, Pakistan has enough fishery resources that remain to be developed. Most of the population of the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan depends on fisheries for livelihood. It is also a major source of export earning. Fishing industry is the managed by the Fisheries Development Commissioner (FDC) under the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MFAL) of Government of Pakistan. The office of the FDC is responsible for policy, planning and coordination with provincial fisheries departments and other national and international agencies such as Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission. The marine subsector is overlooked by Marine Fisheries Department (MFD). The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) is engaged in the research of the industry. Some universities in the country are also involved in basic fisheries research.

FISHERY POTENTIAL IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan is endowed with rich fishery potential. It is located in the northern part of the Arabian Sea and has a coastline of about 1,120 km with a broad continental shelf and its Exclusive Economic Zone extends upto 200 n. miles from the coast. Total production from inland and marine waters is approximately 0.60 M. tons.

Pakistan has many marine and inland fishery resources. The potential was estimated at 1 million tonnes/year from the marine subsector alone. The commercially important resources include near 250 demersal fish species, 50 small pelagic fish species, 15 medium-sized pelagic species and 20 large pelagic fish species. In addition, there are also 15 commercial species of shrimp, 12 of cephalopods and 5 of lobster. The effect of the Indus River Delta on the marine resources of the coastline of Sindh is substantial, as this river system has been transporting enormous quantities of nutrients and sediment to the continental shelf for centuries. Pakistan has an extensive inland water areas system which is mainly dominated by the Indus River. These water bodies, depending on their type, possess varying potential for development of the inland and aquaculture

subsectors. Inland water bodies, like dams, water locks, reservoirs, rivers, lakes and ponds cover an area of approximately 8 million hectares.

CULTURED SPECIES OF FRESH WATER FISH

In the past, most fish farmers stocked their ponds only with indigenous species such as

Catla (Catla catla) Rohu (Labeo rohita) Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) and Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) Mahasheer (Tor putitora)

More recently, two fast growing species are

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix),

have been introduced for culture under modern polyculture systems to increase the fish yield per unit area. These two species have good economic values; have gained a reputation and became popular amongst the producers as well as consumers.

Two species of trout namely

Brown trout (Salmo trutta) Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

MARINE WATER FISH

The marine fisheries of Pakistan account for about 79 per cent of the total catch of fish, carried out in coastal operations on two distinct grounds. The Sindh coast, extending south-east from Karachi to the border with India, is characterised by a broad continental shelf and a coastline marked by a maze of creeks and mangrove covered mudflats of the Indus river delta serving as nursery grounds for many fin and shellfish species. The Balochistan coast, roughly north and west of Karachi, is generally mountainous with large bays and a narrow, abruptly descending shelf. Both on the Sindh and Balochistan coasts there are many, widely dispersed, small landing places utilised by small craft equipped with sails and/or outboard engines.

Sharks Drums Croakers Cat fish Skates Rays

TYPE OF FISHERY
There are two types of marine fishing:

SUBSISTENCE
FISHING is when the fisherman & his family consume the fish they catch . Subsistence fishermen use conventional techniques like a traditional net and a small wooden sail boat.

COMMERCIAL
FISHING is when the fishermen sell their catch to earn money and is their sole source to earn income. Here fishermen use gill-netters and mechanized

INLAND FISHING
Inland fishing is practiced on almost all the rivers and lakes in the country. In addition the large reservoirs behind dams, or abandoned river or irrigational channels. The main fishing centers are:

Manchar lake. Kairi (Keenjhar) lake Haleji lake. Reservoirs of Mangla and Tarbela dams. River Indus at Sukkur, Kotri and Thatta.

Aquaculture According to the definition, aquaculture, simply defined as the farming of various types of fish. Fish show great promise as a 'crop' that will respond well to the benefits of being raised in a controlled environment. In particular, they appear to have a good profit potential for the small to medium size growers who are willing to invest capital, time and management skills to build a profitable business of their own. With increasing population and decline of the world's fisheries, fish farming has nowhere to go but 'up' to supply an ever growing demand. It is forecasted that in the third millennium aquaculture would contribute to global food security even more than in the past three decades. Aquaculture's contribution toward global fisheries landings continued to grow (31.3 per cent in 1999) and it continued to dominate all other animal food-producing sectors. Total aquaculture production in 1999 was about 42.77 million metric tons, valued at 53.56 US billion dollars.

In Pakistan fish farming is practised in the Punjab, Northwest Frontier and Sindh provinces on a limited scale, where species such as trout, common carp, grass carp, silver carp and other carp species have been introduced along with the native Indian carp. Inland fisheries and aquaculture have received increasing attention in recent years and the government has established several fish hatcheries and training facilities for fish farmers in the country. Farming of marine shrimp species has been started on a pilot scale but aquaculture of shrimp could not be established as a regular activity. The per capita consumption has increased only by 300 g since 1976 to 20001. In the coastal areas, consumers prefer meat and poultry to fish. While most of marine countries provide 20 to 70 kg seafood per person per annum as compared to 1.5 kg in Pakistan, one of the lowest in the world.

FISH HARBOURS OF PAKISTAN

The major fish harbours of Pakistan are Karachi Fisheries Harbour is being operated by Provincial Government of Sindh. Karachi Fish Harbour handles about 90% of fish and seafood catch in Pakistan and 95% of fish and seafood exports from Korangi Fish Harbour is being managed by Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock. Pasni Fish Harbour being operated by Provincial Government of Balochistan. Gwadar Fish Harbour being operated by Federal Ministry of Communication. Fishery development board

PAKISTAN ECONOMY AND FISHERIES CONTRIBUTION

Fishery plays an important role in the national economy. It provides employment to about 300,000 fishermen directly. In addition, another 400,000 people are employed in ancillary industries.The fisheries sector as a whole contributes to about 1percent to the countrys GDP and provides jobs for about 1percent of the countrys labour force. It is also a major source of export earning. In July-May 2002-03 fish and fishery products valued at US $ 117 million were exported from Pakistan. Federal Government is responsible for fishery of Exclusive Economic Zone of Pakistan. In addition, It is also responsible for making policies, inter-provincial co-ordination, planning, research, quality control, training, exploratory fishing, stock assessment, fisheries management, fleet improvement, data collection and export etc.

Pakistan as an earner of foreign exchange. Imports of fish are negligible, whilst the value of exports of fishery products was about USD 196 million in 2006. It contributes only 0.3 per cent to overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 1.3 percent to agricultural GDP and less than 1 percent to national employment.During 2003 2004, 104 937 tonnes of fish and fishery products valued at US$ 156 254 millions were exported from Pakistan.Pakistans economic recovery has gained further momentum during the fiscal year 2004 2005 when its GDP grew by 8.4 percent with the economy expanding at its fastest rate in two decades. The exceptionally strong growth was due underpinned by factors such as macro-economic policies, a growing domestic demand, renewed confidence from the private sector, fiscal discipline and competitive exchange rates.

FISHERY UNITS
There are 29 fish processing units in Pakistan with storage capacity of 10,000 tons, out of these 25 units are locate in Karachi of Federal Government provided intelligentsia and technical assistance to seafood establishments for improving their processing conditions in line with various EU / international standards. Through this process, 8 establishments have already improved their conditions and were approve to export seafood to European Union countries. In addition, another five plants have almost upgraded their conditions and others are also undertaking changes in their facilities to comply with EU / international standards.

FISH MARKET

The marketing chain for fish is more or less similar to those of other agricultural commodities. Products are sold into the market to wholesalers and then onto retailers and end consumers through agents working on commission basis. Farmed fish tend to be marketed either at the farm gate, through middle men or during open auction where icepacked fish sent to fish markets after harvest were sold. Buyers can be members of the public, retailers, whole salers, agents for processing plants or exporters. Fish markets are very common in Sindh, at selected locations in Punjab; all markets are under the control of the local administrations.

Rohu (Labeo rohita) has a substantial local market; good market size is usually 2 kg+ up to a maximum of 3 kg. Prices tend to decline when the fish is more than 3 kg in weight; other factors include freshness of the fish and the supply/demand situation in the market. Best prices are achieved during the winter months. Carp price ranges from US$ 1.5 2.0 per kg in local markets. Local consumers generally prefer freshwater fish over marine fish because of their familiarity with river and inland farmed fish as well as the fresh condition of the product. This difference is reflected in both wholesale and retail prices where freshwater fish sell at a higher price than marine fish.

SAVE PAKISTAN FISHERY

The only way to save the fishing industry in Pakistan is to form a separate Ministry for Fisheries. Currently, this department is a secondary part of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and almost neglected as a vestigial organ. The formation of a separate ministry for fisheries will not only ensure that whole-hearted attention is paid to this important foreign exchange earning industry of Pakistan, but will also end the disparity and disharmony found between its federal and provincial care takers who want to shift blame for their failures on others. All brands exported from Pakistan to the EU or anywhere else in the world should be registered with the government and only those brands that are pre-inspected for quality by the authorities at all stages of its production should allowed to be exported. Most of the fishery units are obsolete with very old machinery and rotten cold store insulation. The equipment used for essential fast freezing to preserve export products and to extend their shelf life are in poor shape and their function is non- uniform and sub-standard. We recommend a program to upgrade the current ice-chilled system with industry standard Refrigerated Sea Water Systems.

Exports Pakistan exports reasonable quantity of shrimp, fish and its products and earns a substantial amount of foreign exchange. Shrimp is the main export item both by weight (about 30 000 t) and by value (approximately US$ 73.2 million). It is exported mostly fresh; frozen either as shell-on tails or as peeled and divined. The USA, Japan and the EU are the main importers.

Pakistan's total seafood exports stood at 139 million US$ in 1999-2000. Whereas the sector has a potential to around 1.0 billion US$ from existing natural resources and aquaculture in fisheries sector can yield even higher export earnings from fisheries sector in Pakistan. Pakistan also exports fish meal, fish maws and shark fins, as well as growing quantities of chilled fish, for which the main markets are Singapore and the Gulf. In recent years export of these items has not shown any significant increase because of the increased quantities of fishmeal required by the poultry industry. Out of the total installed processing capacity less than 40 per cent is being utilised.
Future prospects Pakistan's marine fishing activities are confined to the intense exploitation of inshore resources. Most of the fishing effort is directed toward the shrimp resources, which are fully exploited. Future increase in fish production has to come from a more intense exploitation of offshore pelagic resources. Fishing in deeper waters could be done by upgraded and converted shrimp trawlers or newly introduced industrial type of boats. While the pelagic resources are now well known and are already well exploited, the prospects for tuna fish in Pakistan EEZ seem to be good. It is estimated that Pakistan can earn an additional US $80 to 100 million by exporting fresh and canned tuna fish, usually sold at throwaway prices in dry form. About 2 hundred thousand tons of tuna fish is caught annually. This fish is sometime exported to Sri Lanka at 50 cents per kg, in dry form, while it can easily fetch US $4 per kg or more if properly packed or in fresh form. Recently, Sri Lanka has shown interest in importing salted tuna fish. However, the build-up of tuna fleets by other countries in the region has affected catch rates. Sizeable stocks of mesopelagic fish have been discovered which in future might be utilised for fish meal and oil production. Good development prospects also exist in the field of inland fisheries and aquaculture. The country has about 2 million hectares of freshwater bodies in the form of lakes, reservoirs and rivers, the fisheries potential of which is only slightly utilised at present. Similarly, the development of brackish-water farming of shrimp in the creeks and estuaries of Sindh offer some prospects. Improved institutional arrangements, better fish handling, marketing and quality control, the rationalisation of existing fleets and processing plants will all be required if future expansion is to be more orderly and efficient. Based on the export potential, current and potential employment opportunities and threats to survival of seafood industry in Pakistan, SMEDA decided to review the industrial value chain from harvesting to processing, with the objective to develop a strategy for optimal utilisation of marine resources. The fisheries development strategy incorporates public and private sector interventions in all effecting areas, i.e., regulation, technology, management, marketing and human resources with a view to increase export earnings, create and sustain employment and bring about qualitative change in lives of millions of people involved in this trade.

PROBLEMS OF FISHERIES SECTOR IN PAKISTAN 1. Overfishing and Overcapacity Notwithstanding the general concern over environmental degradation in recent years, fishery stocks and aquatic resources have been heavily overexploited. In many of the capture fisheries in the Pacific and Indian oceans, the rate of harvesting has exceeded the natural rate of renewal, resulting in biological overfishing. Mining" the parent stock reduces renewal capacity and, therefore, biologically sustainable harvests. Excessive fishing may not result in a decrease in total production in the short run but in smaller fish caught or growth overfishing. Biological overexploitation of fishery resources leads to stock collapse or severe depletion. National and international efforts are needed to protect fish stocks under threat of overexploitation and to allow depleted stocks to recover. Resource enhancement through sea ranching or reseeding has been tried in some countries, but its environmental soundness and economic feasibility need to be carefully evaluated. 2. Postharvest Losses and Wasteful Fishing A considerable quantity of fish is lost after being caught and before reaching the consumer. Under the conditions prevailing in most DMCs, spoilage can be rapid unless preventive actions are taken at capture and through the entire marketing chain. It is estimated that 15_20 percent of total fish supplies are lost because of insufficient care in handling and transport, poor processing, and bad packaging and storage. Ice, which is one of the cheapest and more effective ways of preservation, is not often used in remote areas or by the majority of inshore and coastal boats for reasons of tradition and/or lack of availability. Processing and refrigeration facilities are often plagued with operating problems. Fish drying, an effective preservation method suited to remote areas, is subject to various problems (shortage of salt, poor weather conditions, insect infestations, etc). Postharvest losses may be reduced by (i) assuring the supply of critical inputs, such as ice and salt for fish preservation; (ii) building sufficient postharvest facilities, such as cold storage and ice plants in strategic locations; and (iii) linking remote fishing villages to markets. Another major source of wastage is in the bycatch and discards of nontarget or low-value species and undersized fish of target species.16 The global fisheries bycatch and discards are estimated in the range of 17.9 million t to 39.5 million t per year, with a mean estimate of 27 million t.17 The shrimp trawling industry is said to be discarding annually much more than the total

volume of shrimp catch. Bycatch and discards threaten the maintenance of aquatic biodiversity and the long-term sustainability of fisheries. Improvement in the selectivity of fishing gear and fishing methods is critical in reducing the level of discards by avoiding juvenile fish and nontarget species. Research is needed to develop food products from bycatches, and markets for new products have to be found. Concerted international efforts are needed to ensure global bans on destructive fishing practices, e.g., use of drift nets, dynamite, poison, etc.

3. Sectoral Subsidies and Protection

Economic losses from fleet overcapacity and overinvestment and from wastage are supported in many instances by state subsidies that make fisheries appear artificially profitable. Subsidies may include lower cost fuel, below-market interest rates for loans or outright grants for the construction of vessels or purchase of gear, and government construction of infrastructure used by the private sector rent free. Free access to fishery resources also constitutes a subsidy, as no private cost is incurred in using public resources. Protectionist measures include import restrictions and tariffs on imported fish and, in some cases, tariffs on vessels and other fishing inputs to protect allied industries. Incentives in the form of subsidies and protection very often lead to overexploitation of fishery resources, lower harvests, and economic inefficiency. Subsidies lower the costs of fishing, which increases profits. In the long run, however, profits are dissipated with the entry of more fishers attracted by subsidies. With overfished resources, incentives that increase fishing efforts reduce average catch rates, further deplete the resource, and eventually reduce employment. Protection and subsidization of the sector engender inefficiencies and may ironically aggravate the pervasive poverty in the sector. Fishery experts recognize that overinvestment and overexploitation undermine fisheries conservation and management efforts, threaten the long-term sustainability of fisheries, and in turn adversely affect the contribution that fisheries might make to food security. The main challenge in optimizing economic returns from the fisheries sector is to manage the supply side through (i) protecting the

regenerative potential of natural stocks and instituting national resource management, (ii) maintaining a high quality genetic resource base for capture and culture fisheries, (iii) protecting the integrity of ecosystem functions in both natural and artificial production systems, and (iv) conserving biodiversity. While these biological interventions are necessary to manage the fish stocks (which has economic effects), the problem of overcapacity and overinvestment has to be addressed directly, and possibilities of fleet restructuring and reduction in effort need to be considered fully by governments. 4. Inadequate Information Base A major problem is the current lack of accurate, reliable and timely basic data from the fisheries. Current data collection systems lack planning and transparency. Data formats vary widely and are often not amenable to effective stock assessment or monitoring of fisheries management regimes currently in place. At the national level a lack of comprehensive biological and economic statistics is a major constraint to effective fisheries management. This is compounded by a lack of awareness or application of the precautionary approach principle currently being adopted by other countries. It can be argued that the primary objective of fisheries management and planning of fisheries development is to avoid over investment. When limited background data is available, the precautionary approach should replace the 'optimistic' approach taken by investors in the fishing sector. Knowledge and understanding about the real underlying ecosystem dynamics of fish stocks are crucial to informed decisions. The standard methods used for small-scale fisheries statistical systems (census/frame surveys, stratified sampling programmes, etc.) are lacking. Thus even the key parameters such as catch, fishing effort, price and participants in the fisheries are largely unknown. In addition to the fact that tropical fisheries are inherently difficult to manage because of the diversity of species harvested, issues for effective management center on the insufficiency of data upon which to initiate a substantive programme

of fisheries management. Management for targets of maximum or optimum sustainable yield, however, must await an improved database of catch and effort.

5. for Effective Management Fisheries management policies are not currently well defined, and are not based on reliable scientific information. There are inadequate human and financial resources for administration of the sector. Modern guidelines such as the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries is not yet part of national legal frameworks. The adoption of the precautionary approach has considerable implications for fisheries management agencies and the fishing industry. Scientific advice to fisheries managers should allow for uncertainty in both the understanding of the state of the stocks and the effects of future management actions. When less is known, fisheries management agencies should be more cautious. This requires a management approach less focused on and influenced by short-term considerations, and more concerned with long-term sustainability of fisheries resources and the environment. 6. Inadequate Basic Applied Research Institutions involved in fisheries research need to focus on applied research of the type that facilitates development of appropriate and effective management regimes for living marine resources. Greater involvement of the fisheries sector in formulating annual work plans for national research institutions would result in more needs-directed research. The fishing sector likely would be more amenable to increasing funding for research if it had more say in setting research priorities and saw greater practical use made of the results. 7. Shore Infrastructure a lack of adequate shore facilities is a major constraint. Inadequate or absent landing jetties, service facilities including workshops, ice and cold storage facilities, spare parts and fuel facilities handicap fishing communities and constrain the quality and therefore ultimate value of the fish landed in the case of Sudan, there are virtually no shore facilities, with the exception of Suakin and Abu Hashish, for

boat and engine repair facilities, freshwater, ice and cold storage. The road infrastructure is very poor causing difficulties in delivering quality products to consumers. In Somalia the closure of the former processing and storage facilities, which were the primary markets for the bulk of the fishermen, has meant that many fishermen are now redundant. The physical deterioration of existing onshore infrastructure, through natural and human damages, presents enormous difficulties for future rehabilitation and intervention. 8. Communication, Training and Public Awareness A common feature is the lack of effective communication between those formulating fisheries policy, and the fishing industries and communities who are ultimately affected by the management measures imposed. This results in poor understanding of the need for, and agreement with, management measures. Considerable opportunity therefore exists for increasing the involvement of rural communities in the development and implementation of appropriate management measures for coastal living marine resources. This trend of a 'bottom-up' approach to fisheries management is being used increasingly throughout the world. 9. Access to Affordable Credit This is a major problem underpinning fishing activities. In Egypt and Sudan, fishermen must obtain credit through the so-called 'unofficial credit' system operated by fish merchants and retailers. This often results in inefficiencies and blatant extortion. The high interest rates and difficult repayment terms required by banks often put such credit lines beyond the reach of smaller and more impoverished fishermen. In Somalia, a scarcity of foreign exchange due to the trade situation has resulted in an inability to purchase fishing materials such as nets, hooks and boats. 10. Poorly Developed Market Systems Monopoly activities by a few large traders or 'middlemen' tend to stifle the rational development of the market, due to vested interests. Sudan's artisanal fishermen in areas far from Port Sudan are constrained by the lack of proper roads,

communications and shore facilities. No ice production or cold storage facilities exist outside the urban areas. The problems facing Somalia's artisanal fisheries are exacerbated by the remoteness of the fishing villages and the inadequacy of government institutional capacity. Fishing effort is limited due to lack of trained technicians (boat builders, engineers, refrigeration specialists), chronic shortage of spare parts, fuel supply, and working capital. A similar situation is faced by the artisanal sector elsewhere in the Region. Inadequate institutions: With the exception of Punjab, and to a lesser extent Balochistan, Provincial/Areas Fisheries Depts are not properly manned nor organized, in particular at district levels. Mandates, hierarchies and responsibilities in these organizations are not well defined, nor well known, while some institutions which could enhance the development of fisheries and aquaculture within the wider economy are simply lacking. Internal conflicts linked to institutional dis-functioning have prevented fisheries management and aquaculture development to receive the attention they require. The lack of producers organisations, in particular in relation to aquaculture, is slowing down the development of the sector and hampering information sharing and concerted action. The lack, if not non-existence, of fisheries management schemes organised and managed by communities is also an institutional weakness that could be rectified through adequate devolution of responsibilities for sustainable inland and coastal fisheries resources management and use.

FUTURE PROSPECTS OF FISHERIES SECTOR IN PAKISTAN Strengthen current fisheries institutions, through a better demarcation of roles and responsibilities. Strengthen Provincial/Areas and District Fisheries Depts role in implementation and monitoring of fisheries management measures. Increase awareness among the government hierarchy on the need for properly functioning institutions to support fisheries and aquaculture development. Carry out a full institutional assessment of government staffing levels and skill sets against needs/requirements for sectors management and development. Increase, and/or relocate, staff across institutions for improved efficiency. Improve communications among private sector players and organizations involved in fisheries and aquaculture management and development.

Clearly specify and publicize responsibilities of federal, Provincial/Areas and district fisheries authorities and their activities linked to the development and management of marine/inland fisheries, and coastal/ inland aquaculture.

Reform/ reorganize Provincial/Areas and district authorities and existing institutions to make them more responsive to the needs of fisheries/aquaculture development and management. Broaden the responsibilities of the Marine Fisheries Department to include regulatory powers concerning importation of fish in the country. Limit the role of District governments to the provision of extension services and place training and hatchery operations (for demonstration) under the responsibility of the Provincial/Areas Fisheries Depts. Place the control of all natural fisheries resources/public water bodies under the responsibility of Provincial/Areas Fisheries Depts (and not with Forest Depts). Support the formation of producers organizations
Promote the formation of associations, societies and cooperative organizations of fishermen and fish farmers for collective problem solving. Promotion of cooperative arrangements transportation and marketing facilities. for the establishment of

Study and reform the existing contract system for the exploitation of freshwater bodies.
Carry out a study of the merits and disadvantages of both the contract and license systems prior to taking further actions. Replace the existing contract system with a more appropriate system of exploitation of inland waters, if found suitable in the study carried out under APO B. 4.1. Ensure that all fishermen are officially registered.

Address current fisheries regulations shortcomings.

and

aquaculture

legislation

and

Revise current fisheries legislation and make amendments, as appropriate, to support the implementation of the present fisheries and aquaculture policy and strategy and minimize conflicts over fisheries resources.

Design new/updated legislation and regulations with respect to the maintaining of aquatic species gene pools and genetic diversity and the prevention of trans-boundary movements of fish in aquaculture. Liaise with Environment Protection Agencies over environmental management regulations to control pollution in inland and coastal waters. Support non-fisheries specific legislation such as laws relating to human rights, migration and access to social security, workers rights under IRO (Industrial Relation Ordinance) and decentralization to be put in place simultaneously. Establish special fisheries courts and magistrates to deal with fishing-related offences. Ensure that compulsory environmental impact assessments (EIA) are carried out prior to all investments in coastal aquaculture operations, and major fisheries and coastal development schemes. Enhance inter-ministry/department collaboration and staff dedicated to control IUU fishing

Recognise and promote the role of communities in fisheries management in coastal and inland areas.
Devolve fisheries management responsibilities to inland and coastal fishing communities. Provide special support to strengthen community-based fisheries and representative organizations, in particular in relation to the management of fisheries resources. Institutionalize consultation mechanisms between opposing interest groups to find common and acceptable solutions. Improve communication linkages with coastal areas and establish tsunami and cyclone warning and prevention centers in coastal areas. Implement a programme designed by SCDA for the integrated development of the Indus Delta and related estuarine zone.

Ensure participation of all groups and stakeholders, including women, in devolution, bottom-up and transparent decision-making processes pertaining to fishing and aquaculture. The main challenges facing fisheries development in the country includes accurate data on assessment of fishery resources and their potential in terms of fish production, development of

sustainable technologies for fin and shell fish culture, yield optimization, harvest and postharvest operations, landing and berthing facilities for fishing vessels and welfare of fishermen.

Fisheries as a sub-sector plays a significant role in the national economy and towards the food security of the country, as it reduce the existing pressure on demand for mutton, beef and poultry. It is considered as one of the most important economic activity along the coastline of Sindh and Balochistan. It has been estimated that about 400,000 fishermen and their families are directly dependent upon the fisheries for their livelihood whereas about 600,000 are involved in the ancillary industry. Government of Pakistan is taking a number of steps to improve fisheries sector which include inter alia strengthening of extension services, introduction of new fishing methodologies, increased production through aquaculture, development of value added products, enhancement of per capita consumption of fish, up gradation of socio-economic conditions of the fishermens community. Marine Fisheries Department is executing following development projects: 1. The project Stock assessment survey programme is aimed at chartering a suitable vessel for conducting stock assessment resource surveys in the coastal and offshore waters of Pakistan. The project is also aimed at strengthen Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) by capacity building to conduct resource survey and stock assessment on regular basis and to develop management strategy for the fish exploitation and utilization. 2. Other projects i.e. Accreditation of quality control laboratories of Marine Fishers Department and Establishment of an Integrated National Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (NAPHIS) (MFD component), are also being implemented to provide improved quality control services to the seafood export industry. These two projects are designed to get the laboratories of the Marine Fisheries Department accredited with international bodies and meet the requirements of ISO 17025. It also aimed to improve the human resources capabilities of the department by inducting trained manpower and also to provide training to existing staff and officers. The project will also enable to meet the requirements of the importing countries especially Europe Union countries.

3. In addition hatchery complex which was established under the auspices of a development project entitled Establishment of hatchery complex for production of seeds of fish and shrimps in 2001 is being rehabilitated and renovated from funds provided by Fisheries Development Board. The renovation work will be completed by August, 2009. During the period July-March 2008-09 the total marine and inland fish production was estimated 490,000 M. tons out which 167,000 M. tons was marine production and the remaining catch come from inland water. Whereas the Production for the 2007-08 was estimated to be 455,000 M. tons in 253,000 M. tons were for marine and the remaining was produced by inland fishery sector. Pakistans major seafood buyers are China, UAE, Thailand, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Middle East, Sri Lanka, etc.