KARACHI:
Balochistan is one of the richest provinces in the country with regard to natural resources. In addition, it holds an important geographic strategic location due to its coast which extends from the mouth of the Hub River in the east to the middle of the Gwadar Bay in the west and stretches over a distance of about 770km. Fishing is the primary source of livelihood for the local population residing in coastal areas such as Gwadar, Pasni, Ganz and Ormara. It is considered one of the world’s riskiest professions in the world. Every day hundreds of fishermen are injured. According to the ILO, an estimated 24,000 deaths occurred worldwide in fishing-related incidents last year.
It hurts me to state that illegal trawling along the coastline of Balochistan is at its peak as a result of which destitute fishermen are leading a pitiful life. Illegal trawling remains a key driver of global overfishing and it threatens marine eco-system, and puts foods security and regional stability at risk. Besides, it is linked to major human rights violation and even organised crime. Illegal trawling in Balochistan started during the 1960s. Then, in 1971, the government of Balochistan promulgated the Sea Fisheries Ordinance for the prevention of illegal trawling in the provincial waters to save marine eco-system but lack of implementation persists. Back then trawlers were not equipped as they are now to fish intensively and extensively. The problem with trawlers is that they also damage the ocean eco-system. A trawler net discriminately catches every life and object it encounters. These objects sometimes include endangered fish and even vulnerable deep-sea corals leading to serious collateral damage. The trawler also disturbs a large area of the sea floor that gives marine species food and shelters, leaving the marine eco-system permanently damaged. Trawling also pollutes the sea with oil and other chemicals.
Over the years, the number of illegal trawlers has gradually been increasing but fish catch is steadily diminishing. Therefore, another issue is that since most of the local citizens rely on fishing, they aren’t able to afford basic necessities or make ends meet. I urge the authorities concerned to take some pragmatic steps to abolish illegal trawling. Simultaneously, fishermen must be provided with an alternative.
Nawaz Ellahi
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2021.
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