Protecting our marine life

Unfortunately, no funding has been provided to aid research to study and identify the new coral species.

Recently, nearly 200 local volunteers took upon themselves the responsibility of caring for the Arabian Sea’s marine life. The group travelled to the border between Sindh and Balochistan to Churna Island, off the coast of Mubarak Village and there, participants cleaned up the coral reef, a fragile structure under the water containing colonies of small and colourful marine life. The leaders and volunteers must be congratulated on their initiative as there are few people who are willing to go out of their way to care for Pakistan’s wildlife and its environment, as is evident by the amount of trash we see on the streets of the country every day. Plastic bags find their way into the waters and continue to kill fish and other marine life, while tyres and other heavy objects continue to be carelessly left to fall into the water and end up crushing the reefs.

Lucky for Pakistan, the devastating 2004 tsunami brought a variety of new coral species where at least 60 types already existed. Unfortunately, no funding has been provided to aid research to study and identify this wealth of marine life. Understandably, while our government and scientists are dealing with a plethora of other problems, they must not lose sight of this wealth.

If we can ensure that travel to and fro the border of Sindh and Balochistan is safe and create a resort for people to spend time understanding and making peace with the ocean, it would be a landmark improvement for Pakistan and its small recreational industry; according to online sources, the yearly global economic value of coral reefs is estimated to be roughly $375 billion. Families would have a quiet vacation spot just for peace of mind without having to leave the country. Multiple jobs could be created for those who have profound love and respect for the ocean. The group that led the initiative to clean up the coral reef should be supported by the people and the government because while the government is dealing with other worldly matters, this small group of people is striving to keep Pakistan and its coast beautiful.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2012.