Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority decides to enforce one month ban on fishing

Karachi: One month ban on fishing would be enforced in the month of July this year. It was decided unanimously in a meeting held today at Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KFHA) which was presided over by Mr. Zahid Ali Bhurgari, Minister for Fisheries Sindh.

The meeting was attended by Abdul Ghani Jokhio, Managing Director KFHA, Cdre. Azir Mumtaz, Deputy Director General, Maritime Security Agency (MSA), Representative of Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG), Vice Chairman, Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association (PFEA), Representatives of Fishermen Society, Pakistan Fisherfolk forum, Bonafide Fishermen, Sindh Trawlers Owners Association, Mole Holders etc.

Representatives of fishermen community stressed on effective implementation of ban on fishing but for only one month in the entire coastal areas. They also urged to enforce ban on destructive nets and controlling of sea pollution. However, Vice Chairman PFEA conveyed the reservation of his association on one month ban for July and urged that it should be for two months.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Fisheries Sindh said that it was collective responsibility of all stakeholders to take effective measures for the conservation of marine resources. He informed that 200 destructive nets had been burnt at Karachi Fish Harbour out of 500 nets confiscated by the Sindh Fisheries Department so far.

He added that mesh size of the cod –end of net would be finalized on 12th April in a meeting to be held in the office of Secretary Livestock and Fisheries, Government of Sindh and accordingly notification shall be issued. In this regard, MSA, PGC and local police would be informed and requested to take action against use of nets other than notified size.

He further informed that in coordination with City District Government and Water Sewerage Board efforts were being taken to control the pollution. He also asked Managing Director KFHA to hold a meeting with Sindh Forest Department, KPT, Environmental Protection Agency, Sindh Fisheries for conservation of mangroves which was the natural hatcheries for shrimps and other species. Mr. Abdul Ghani Jokhio, Managing Director informed the meeting that from 1st August 2012, KFHA would not allow landing of trash fish at Karachi Fish Harbour.

For more information, contact:
Sagheer Ahmed
Public Relations Officer
Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority
Government of Sindh
Ph: 92-21-32313374
Cell: 92-321-2416034