10-year ban imposed on fishing in Punjab waters

Permit allows catching up to five fish a day

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has imposed a 10-year ban on commercial fishing, closing down access to a vast area of its waters as a precautionary measure to prevent any further drop in the fish stock.

The ban, aimed at increasing fish numbers, will come into force from Sept 1 and will last till July 31, 2032, an order issued by Fisheries Department Secretary Shahid Zaman said.

Fishing by all means – except through rod and line – will be completely banned in waters including Indus River within the provincial boundaries, its reservoirs and pond areas linked to barrages.

Other prohibited areas include Jhelum River from Rasool headworks up to Mangla reservoir outflow, Chenab River upstream Marala headworks, and Swan River from Indus River junction at Peer Pahai and Mianwali district.

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The ban will also be enforced on fishing in lakes, ponds and canals connected to restricted rivers, the notification said.

Meanwhile, those seeking to fish through rod and line could obtain special weekly and monthly permits at a fee of Rs500 and Rs5,000 each, respectively. However, the angling could only take place between sunrise and sunset.

Similarly, only five fish or a total eight-kilo weight per permit per day shall be allowed.