There are roughly 1.5 million people in Pakistan. who depend on the fish industry for their means of subsistence. In addition to the numerous small and large cities. that spread out along Pakistan’s coastline. the country’s coastline stretches for around 1100 kilometers. and populated by Gwadar fishermen who live in ghetto-like communities. The rest of the coastal areas located in Sindh.
Fishing launches:
Fishing industry experts in Pakistan think that the methods currently used. fishing is the root cause of approximately 60 percent of the country’s “junk fishing. During the administration of Sardar Atta Ullah Mangal in 1972. fishing launches disobeyed the established laws. that allowed Gwadar Fishermen launches to fish within 12 nautical miles of shore. Now, the circle of fishing has expanded to 20 nautical miles. which has also become a cause of worry as illegal fishing is being done by foreign launches.
Fishing methods:
Which measured at 750 kilometers in length. This sector contributes a significant amount of revenue to the national exchequer. Inefficient fishing methods. such as the use of small and narrow nets for fishing. and the wastage of small fish known as “trash fish,” have brought the Gwadar Fishermen sector. When these kinds of techniques used, valuable fishes wasted away. Due to a lack of experience to curb the trend of “trash fishing”. and improper methods applied with fishing, EUROPE has halted fish exports.
Fishermen compounded:
The difficulties faced by fishermen compounded. by the absence of a facility for the cold storage of fish in Gwadar. Pasni, Ormara, and Dam harbors. This is in addition to adverse weather conditions. Because there is not enough cold storage. and packing facilities, fishermen forced to sell fish at low prices. because the seafood will spoil if it takes too long to go to market. In addition to this, fishermen face the additional challenge of not having access.
Fishing industry:
A presents additional challenges for those who work in the fishing industry. Illegal boats from Sindh pass through these waters and engage in fishing that is outside the law. Agents of these boats stationed in the ports of Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara, and Dam. These tipsters assist the boat owners in evading any potential risk of arrest. and keep them apprised. by wireless communication of any potential legal action.
The resources necessary:
In the event that such vessels and launches discovered. to be finishing unlawfully. they seized, and the fish that caught sold at reduced prices. Despite this, there is no law that exists to punish the illegal act of fishing. An auction held for the material that is available in such boats and launches. However, the sale also reveals the monopolies of administration. that already exist where representatives of the owners of the boats. and launches are present. In point of fact. because Balochistan has such a long. and winding coastline.
Small fishing boats:
Fishermen, owners of small fishing boats. and launches, frequently resort to complaining about unlawful fishing by vessels. that breach the borders of the coastline of Balochistan. The local fishermen put in a difficult position as a result of the presence of these ships and boats. which outfitted with contemporary amenities and fish beyond the authorized limits. The question that must now asked is.
Nationalist parties in Gwadar:
Even though nationalist parties in Gwadar have brought up this issue quite a few times. The presence of powerful social Fisher Folk is not felt when it comes to bringing up this issue. In a similar vein, it would appear. that local fisherman in Gwadar are likewise unhappy. about the frequent VIP visits that have occurred as a result of CPEC. Because of the potential threats to their safety, any time a VIP comes to visit. they kept isolated to their own regions. The annexation of East Bay fish harbor. with Gwadar port.
Impoverished fishermen:
Such as the construction of the Gwadar Superhighway. and subsequent VIP visits. could one day become an impediment for the fisherman. Recently, containers travelling from Gwadar to China brought a total of 7.1 tones of fish. Fish enterprises may founded in Gwadar. which would in turn help alleviate poverty. if local businesspeople were able to obtain more favorable credit terms. from local banks. It is high time Gwadar Security that the government took action to address. the problems facing Gwadar’s impoverished fishermen.