Sindh’s coastal area stretches approximately 350 kilometers along the Arabian Sea contains 71 percent of Pakistan’s fisheries resources and main source of livelihood of coastal communities and fishermen. The potential of this region includes significant ecological and economic zones, such as the Indus Delta, creeks, mangrove forests, and fishing harbors like Karachi, Keti Bunder, and Shah Bunder. It is a critical area for marine biodiversity and supports a large portion of the province’s fishing industry.
The livelihoods of coastal communities, is grappling with numerous challenges. Among these, the rampant use of illegal fishing methods, overfishing, and administrative inefficiencies have emerged as critical issues threatening marine biodiversity and economic sustainability.
After the 18th amendment, fisheries became a subject of the Provincial Govt. Over the years, Sindh fisheries has had Chairman’s like Nisar Moorai to name one & benefited people like Uzair Baloch etc. Ultimately & sadly our fisheries has had no capacity building whatsoever. pic.twitter.com/v0GCB0vXx1
— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) August 24, 2019
One of the most pressing issues is the extensive capture of juvenile fish. Nearly 60% of the daily catch at Karachi’s fish harbor comprises juvenile fish and other non-consumable species. This “trash catch” is typically processed into fish meal, which is used as a protein supplement in poultry farming. The overharvesting of juvenile fish not only threatens fish populations but also disrupts the marine ecosystem.
Despite international and national regulations, banned fishing nets, such as Bullo, Katra, and Guja, are widely used along Sindh’s coastal areas. These fine-mesh nets trap fish eggs and small fish, depleting future stocks. The Sindh Fisheries Ordinance 1980 criminalizes the use of such nets and imposes penalties, including six-month imprisonment and a fine of PKR 10,000 (USD 60). However, enforcement remains weak, allowing these harmful practices to persist.
Influential individuals with political backing often exploit regulatory gaps, employing deep-sea trawlers and chemicals for fishing. Such practices not only harm the marine environment but also jeopardize the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen.
The coastal belt of Sindh hosts over 350 species of fish. However, the unchecked use of prohibited nets and overfishing pose significant threats to this biodiversity. Fishermen have reported a sharp decline in fish stocks, raising concerns about the long-term viability of fishing as a livelihood.
The responsibility for monitoring and enforcement is divided among multiple agencies, including the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Coast Guards, and provincial fisheries departments. However, overlapping jurisdictions and resource constraints hinder effective action. For instance, the Pakistan Coast Guards claim limited authority and resources to address illegal fishing, deferring responsibility to the Maritime Security Agency, which also struggles with enforcement.
The Sindh government has imposed bans on harmful nets such as Bullo, Gujjo, and Katra. Additionally, patrolling efforts in creeks—primary hatcheries for shrimps—have been intensified. During operations, illegal nets and boats have been confiscated, and offenders warned of stricter penalties.
The fisheries sector in Sindh is at a critical juncture. Immediate and concerted efforts are required to curb illegal practices, conserve marine biodiversity, and secure the livelihoods of fishing communities. Failure to act now could lead to irreversible damage to the province’s marine resources and the collapse of a vital economic sector.