Fisheries in Pakistan

Employment to
Most of the population in these marine areas has developed fishing as a profession

people living near coastal or marine areas.

Management of Fishing Industry

Fishing industry is the managed by the Fisheries Development Commissioner (FDC) under the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MFAL) of Government of Pakistan.

Fish processing units

There are 28 fish processing units in Pakistan with storage capacity of 10,000 tons. 26 units in Karachi . 2 in pasni Federal Government provided intelligentsia and technical assistance. 8 establishments have already improved their conditions . In addition, another five plants have almost upgraded their conditions. others are also undertaking changes in their facilities to comply with EU / international standards

Marine and Inland Fisheries

Marine fisheries in Pakistan is being carried out on two distinct grounds i.e. coastline covering Mekran (Balochistan) coast of Karachi (Sindh). Inland fisheries . small rivers, dams (Tarbela, Mangla and Chashma), lakes (Haleji, Keenjhar and Manchhar), barrages, reservoirs, ponds and canals.

Marine Harbors
The major marine harbors of Pakistan are: Karachi Fish Harbor Korangi Fish Harbor Pasni Fish Harbor Gwadar Fish Harbor

Aquaculture

Fish Marketplace
Domestic Market:

International Market:

Export of fish
Fish and fishery products are processed and exported to over 50 countries. About 30 35% of the fish and fishery products are exported to European Union countries. Export of seafood is facing many a problem notably among these are:

Issues With Export

Post harvest losses Congestion at Karachi Fish Harbour. The storage capacity is 10,000 tons Exporter of raw material or semi processed fish / seafood

Ban On Sea Food Export

EU imposed ban in April, 2007 over fishing poor hygienic conditions According to fisheries sector, in terms of volume, the seafood exports 123.88 metric tons in 2006, 134.667 metric tons in 2007, 127.393 metric tons in 2008 113.219 metric tons in 2009. imposed ban is resulting in a loss of $ 50 million per annum.

Relief from Ban

The EU ended its six-year ban on Pakistans seafood trade enlisting two fisheries companies to export shrimp and fish products AG Fisheries (Pvt) Ltd, Akhlaq Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, The EC had decided to recommend 27member states .

 In order to comply with EC Regulations and to control the quality of seafood, Government of Pakistan promulgated Pakistan Fish Inspection and Quality Control Act, 1997 and Rules, 1998 .

EPB is coordinating agency hygienic conditions up-gradation of fish processing Provide fund to Karachi harbour EPB imported 10000 fish crates at the cost of Rs. 7.0 million 200,000 fish boxes

EPBs Role

 EPB provided an amount of Rs. 5.0 million to Marine Fisheries Department EPB procured 200 fiber glass trolleys for handling of fish EPB provide Rs. 1.0million for up-gradation of auction halls

Future prospects
Many different organizations have planned to set up research projects covering both marine and inland fisheries as well as allied aquaculture. With concerted efforts along with proper incentives, the fisheries production is likely to increase, leading to its greater role in the national economy.