A large portion of Pakistan’s economy is derived from the fishing business. It is essential for producing income from exports, guaranteeing food security, and creating jobs. 1.8 million people are impacted by the sector both directly and indirectly. With their significant export revenue, fisheries make up a significant portion of the country’s GDP—roughly 1%.
Marine fish like King Mackerel, Mahseer, Rohu fish and Salmon fish are marketed in various forms, with 65-70% of total production used for human consumption. Processing involves mechanical and non-mechanical methods, with 27 plants in Pakistan. Frozen and canned products are mostly exported, with the majority used for poultry feed or fish feed. Let’s learn more about how the fishing industry in Pakistan helps in the economic development of the country.
Development Of The Fishing Industry In Pakistan
The growth of the fishing industry will also assist in lowering Pakistan’s need for beef, chicken, and mutton. The chairman of the Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association, Karachi, Faisal Iftikhar, told Wealth PK that the fishing industry supported the nation’s economy and food security as a subsector of agriculture. The fishing sector has a direct impact on the availability of food, coastal residents’ means of subsistence, export revenue, and economic expansion.
1. Automated Sailing Boats
Pakistani coastal waterways use trawling with powered sailboats like hora boats, powered by 2-3 horsepower diesel engines. Their population has declined due to their diminutive size. Since the late 1980s, fishing has also been conducted using Doondha boats, derived from destroyed ships, primarily in Karachi.
2. Population Of Fishermen
- Significant for job creation in both inland and coastal seas.
- Employs 400,000 directly and a million indirectly.
- Employment is divided into full-time, part-time, and casual categories.
3. Major Fish Harbors
- Karachi Fish market handles about 90% of fish and seafood catch in Pakistan and 95% of fish and seafood exports from Pakistan.
- Karachi Fisheries Harbour is being operated by the Provincial Government of Sindh.
- Korangi Fish Harbour is being managed by the Federal Ministry of Ports & Shipping.
- Pasni Fish Harbour being operated by the Provincial Government of Balochistan.
- Gwadar Fish Harbour being operated by the Federal Ministry of Communication.
4. Principal Products
With a wide variety of the best fish types in Pakistan and seafood items in high demand both domestically and globally, Pakistan’s fishing sector is multifaceted. Among the main species are the following:
- Ribbon Fish
- Pomfret
- Shrimp
- Prawns
- Lobsters
- Indian Mackerel
The Middle East, Europe, Thailand, China, Malaysia, and other significant markets are among the nations to which these products are shipped.
5. Best Fishing Seasons
While certain types of fish can be taken all year round, summer and autumn are the best times of year to catch many species, particularly in Pakistani maritime waters from June to October when more commercially valuable fish are caught The fish that are significant for commerce are grunts, grunter’s thread winners, croakers, and catfish. The shrimp fishery exhibits a consistent catch pattern all year long. But because it’s shrimp’s breeding season, the government of Sindh has outlawed commercial shrimp fishing in June and July.
Fisheries Production In Pakistan
Fisheries production is an important sector in Pakistan’s economy, providing employment, food, and export earnings. Here is an overview of the fisheries production in Pakistan:
1. Capture Fishery Production
Between 1950 and 2017, Pakistan’s fish production benefited greatly from the capture fishery, which produced an average of 320,504 MT per year. It made up 98% of the entire fish production from 1950 to 1999 and 80% from 2000 to 2017. Pakistan must prioritize safeguarding its fishing resources by reducing the number of vessel licenses.
2. Aquaculture Production
Since 1950, aquaculture has made a substantial contribution to fish production in Pakistan. From 1991 to 2017, the annual growth rate was 5460 MT, reaching 8430 MT.
3. Export/ Import Fisheries Production
More than 30 nations receive Pakistan’s fisheries exports; Vietnam, Thailand, and China are among the top 14 importers. Pakistan exports far more fish products than it imports, although from 1980 to 2002, imports totalled 24.2 MT, and from 2003 to 2013, imports were predicted to be 1468 MT.
Management Of Fisheries In Pakistan
Pakistan’s fishing industry accounts for 1% of the nation’s GDP, hence it needs to develop by implementing contemporary management strategies to safeguard and conserve its fishing resources. Pakistan’s fisheries management presents both current and future generations with significant challenges. The consequences of pollution, climate change, the environment, and fishing must all be addressed. Nevertheless, it appears that overexploitation has been prevalent, making the administration of Pakistan’s fishing industry ineffective.
Conclusion
The fishing industry plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, export revenue, food security, and employment. With a diverse range of marine and inland species, the sector employs 1.8 million people and supports economic growth and coastal livelihoods. However, challenges such as overexploitation, environmental impacts, and outdated management practices necessitate modern strategies to ensure sustainable development and resource conservation for future generations.
