February 10, 2010

Pakistan identifies causes of decline in fisheries sector

The main factors leading to stagnant businesses in the Pakistani fisheries sector have been identified with poor management of the fish harbour, over-fishing and lack of aquaculture, according to the Competitiveness Support Fund (CSF).

The CSF study said that over-fishing was becoming a serious issue in Sindh and a stronger management would be needed to prevent depleting fish resources in the coastal waters of Sindh.

It said that one major cause of low price of Pakistani seafood was the value losses in the cool chain of the existing marine operations, which leads to decline in quality of seafood for both export markets and internal consumption.

Another problem for limited growth of fisheries and seafood sector was lack of existence of aquaculture, which is controlled breeding of fish, shrimps and prawns.

The study said that production level at aquaculture is far below its potential and there is good scope for aquaculture in coastal belt of Sindh.

Currently, CSF is assisting the Sindh government in developing the fisheries resources of the Indus Delta region. This includes the development of the fishing port and other means to improve the income of the fishermen in Thatta and Badin districts.

An action plan has also been prepared suggesting changes in the management at the Karachi Fish Harbour and infrastructure investments to improve quality of the fish handling and its processing.