Experts stress on need to modernise small-scale fisheries

Say sustainable practices can help improve fishing sector

KARACHI:

The WWF Pakistan organised an event titled: 'Enhancing the Role of Small-scale Fisheries in the Blue Economy of Pakistan'.

The event was attended by officials from the Marine Fisheries Department, Sindh Fisheries Department, representatives from the National Institute of Oceanography, Karachi Fish Harbour Authority, students from Karachi University, and Bahria University, and local community members.

They stressed on the need of making efforts to modernise small-scale fisheries and enhance the capacity of fishers to restore the depleting fish stocks and modify fishing methods.

Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor, WWF-Pakistan said, "Blue economy' is an emerging growth and governance model which aims to combine environmental sustainability and economic value. We need to integrate small-scale fisheries into this model which promotes social equities and creates income generation opportunities for the fishers."

He said that new fishing jetties, equipped with modern facilities, should be established.

Favad Soomro, Head of Engro Foundation said, "Pakistan is blessed with enormous coastal and marine resources and the blue economy could foster the country's growth and significantly improve the lives of fishers."

He said, "We need to explore the potential of our coastal ecosystem and strengthen fisheries development."

Faisal Iftikhar, CEO, AquaHatch International said, "Due to pressure on marine and freshwater fisheries, we need to promote aquaculture as it can help improve food security and create new economic opportunities."

Published in The Express Tribune, December 29^th, 2022.