Right under the nose of the government, unlawful fishing by powerful, influential mafia is going on unabated. These people are operating trawlers illegally and using destructive nets, and it seemed there was no regulatory body to check this illegal fishing practice, fisheries experts said on Tuesday. Resultantly, over fishing is destroying source of livelihood of common fisherman and depleting sea-fish stocks. Experts said that in addition, slowest release of water from Indus Delta, the main hub of fisheries production has put negative affect on resources especially for dwellers at the tail end. While speaking at provincial dialogue on ‘gaps and recommendations on existing laws that govern Sindh fisheries’, organised by Pakistan Fisher folk Forum (PFF) speakers including government officials and stakeholders associated with fisheries sector realised the fact that policy gaps and lack of governance have together affected this major field. Experts said that the increasing global warning and climate change is adding negative factor in fishing sector. There should be alternative livelihoods for fishermen for survival of the community. If government takes these points they may earn more than agriculture sector through fish export. PML-N’s Sindh Assembly MPA Haji Shafi Jamot said that over fishing is destroying source of living of community and exploiting fish stocks. There are more than 15,000 fishing boats operating as compared to 300 boats in 1980s’ in the sea, which is burden over sea and destroying fish stock, he added. Jamot was of the view that the restoration of status of Fishermen Cooperative Society (FCS) in true spirit is vital, as current status has ruined it through corruption. He said that the political people are being imposed on this welfare body for FCS, which was formed long ago. Pakistan Fisher folk Forum Chairperson Muhammad Ali Shah suggested functioning of boat-fishing registration till policymaking and even implementation should be handed over to one agency of Sindh Fisheries Department. There are different agencies dealing with issues related to fishermen and lack of collaboration among stakeholders is a threat for the sector. Shah said Indus Delta a production and source for tail-end people has presently no river water streaming to the sea. Prof Ismail Kumbhar of Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam said that alternative livelihoods for fishermen are important for survival on backdrop of global warming and climate change. Marine Fisheries Department former DG and World Wide Fund for Nature Technical Adviser Muhammad Moeezam said that it is mandatory through fulfilling international requirements to avoid destruction of resources. He supported the idea to have only 300 to 350 boats in marine waters and others licenses should be cancelled. Sindh Fisheries Secretary Ramzan Awan said that the Sindh government receives Rs 3 million due to issuing licenses to fishermen at inland and marine waters adding that the government gives grant only to the fisheries harbour annually more than Rs 300 million. Inland Fisheries Department DG Ghulam Muhammad Maher, Tahir Qureshi of IUCN, Mustafa Meerani of PFF, Habibullah Niazi of Boat Owners Association also spoke on the occasion.
2015 Dailytimes