FISHING INDUSTRY

1. What is fishing?
Fishing is one of the oldest occupations for people who live near lakes, rivers, and sea. It is
the main occupation in the coastal settlements of Sindh (except Karachi) and Balochistan.
The total number of people employed in fishing is 379,500, out of which 202,000 are
engaged in marine fishing and
2. What is fish farming or aquaculture?
Fish farming or aquaculture is the breeding of fish by fishing communities. Pakistan has
many inland fish farms that use man-made ponds as well as protected areas in rivers and
lakes. Marine fishing now includes some modern developments in the processing and
exporting of the catch.
3. Does the fishing industry have potential for further development?
Yes, the fishing industry has potential for further development. Although its share of GDP is
0.39% in 2020, that is negligible, it contributes to the national income through export
earnings. Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings come from exporting fish, shrimps, and fish
products.

FISHING AREAS AND METHODS

MARINE FISHING
4. How is Pakistan’s coastline divided?
Pakistan’s coastline is divided into the Sindh and the Makran coasts. The Sindh coast is
30% of the coastline and the Makran coast 70%.
5. Where do mangrove trees grow?
Mangrove trees, which are breeding grounds for fish and shrimps, grow in the mouths of the
distributaries of the Indus and Hub deltas.
**MEMORIZE THE FIGURES ON PAGE 98**

6. What is the main fishing centre in Sindh?

The main fishing centre in Sindh is Karachi. Karachi is Pakistan’s biggest fishing port,
handling 90% of the country’s catch and 95% of exports.
- On the Makran coast, fishing ports are small.
7. Which city in Pakistan is being developed as a fishing centre?
Gwadar is the city in Pakistan that is being developed as a fishing centre, with improved
facilities such as an ice factory, refrigeration plants, and modern fish-curing yards.
Improvements are also being made at Ormara and Pasni.
8. What are the two types of marine fishing?
The two types of marine fishing are Subsistence Fishing and Commercial Fishing.
9. What is Subsistence Fishing?
Subsistence Fishing is when the fisherman and his family consume the fish they catch.
Some fishing communities on the coast are engaged in subsistence fishing, as fish is the
main component of their diet.

10. What techniques does Subsistence Fishing use?

 Subsistence Fishing uses conventional techniques like traditional nets and small wooden
sailboats that do not travel far out to sea. As a result, the catch is small and cannot be relied
on a permanent source of income.
11. What is commercial fishing?
Commercial fishing is the type of fishing in which fish is sold in the market. A number of
coastal communities depend on fishing as their sole source of income. The two main
centres of commercial fishing are Karachi and Gwadar. The Sindh coast is more important
and accounts for most of the total marine catch.
12. What are the factors that account for the development of fishing along the Sindh
coast?
The factors that account for the development of fishing along the Sindh coast are as follows:
1. It has numerous creeks, sheltered harbours, and a wide shallow sea beyond.
2. It has a wider continental shelf than the Makran coast.
3. The Indus Delta is rich in food for fish, much of which is brought by the River Indus.
4. It has better export and processing facilities.
13. What techniques are in use in commercial fishing?
In commercial fishing, as well as traditional sailboats and sets, new techniques are all in
use. Gill-netters have mechanised boats have made it possible to fish 50-60 km from the
coast in deep-sea waters. Traditional sailboats can only go 5 km out to sea, but are still
widely used.
14. What have the government developed in Karachi?
In Karachi, the government has developed the Korangi fish harbour where storage and
packing facilities are available to fishermen.
15. What are the types of marine fish catch?
The types of marine fish catch include:
1. Sharks
2. Drums
3. Croakers
4. Catfish
5. States
6. Rays
16. What is the Makran coast being developed with?
The Makran coast is being developed with improved facilities; for example, for docking of
sailboats, handlings of the catch, preservation, and storage.
- Almost all the communities on the coast of Balochistan depend on fishing their livelihood.
Children learn the skills early in life and everyone lends a hand with the day’s work.
17. Do fishermen catch a lot of fish in the Balochistan sea-water?
No, fishermen do not catch a lot of fish in the Balochistan sea-water which is rich in fish.
They are able to catch only limited amounts of fish because of their conventional methods.
Improved facilities at Gwadar, Ormara, and Pasni harbours will help to increase the catch.

INLAND FISHING
18. Where is inland fishing practised?
Inland fishing is practised in almost all Pakistan’s rivers and lakes. In addition, the large
reservoirs behind dams, the lakes (dhands) of Sindh, and abandoned river or irrigation
channels are all utilised for fish farming. Dug pounds have especially been made for this
purpose.
19. What are the types of inland or fresh water fish?
The types of inland or fresh water fish include:
1. Manaseer
2. Rahu
3. Grass, Sliver – Chinese species of Carp
4. Palla
5. Trout
6. Thalla

FISH FARMS
20. What are fish farms?
Fish farms are rectangular man-made ponds for raising fish. They have a concrete or
cemented impervious base to prevent water losses through leakage. The sides of the pond
are edged with solidified mud. Trees are often planted around the ponds to provide oxygen,
to minimise water losses through evaporation and to keep the water cool. This facilitates the
growth and fertilisation of fish.
21. What are the main fishing centres?
The main fishing centres include:
1. Manchar Lake in Dade District
2. Kalri (Keenjhar) Lake, north of Thatta
3. Haleji Lake, west of Thatta
4. Reservoirs of Mangla and Tarbela Dams
5. River Indus at Sukkur, Kotri, and Thatta
22. What does a fish farmer have to care of?
A fish farmer has to take care of food, medicine, and breeding requirements of the fish.
- Fish farming can be combined with livestock or poultry farming.
23. What does the use of animal waste to fertilise fishponds lead to?
The use of animal waste to fertilise fishponds leads to greater fish yield, as the manure
provides active nutrients for the fish. Poultry droppings also serve as an excellent fertiliser
for fish ponds. They are rich in highly soluble inorganic salts and promote the growth of
plankton, which is natural food for fish.
- Cattle, poultry, and ducks can be raised on the embankments or in the vicinity of the ponds.
- Moreover, fish waste is used for making poultry feed.
- The joint farming operation requires little space, low capital investment, and gives quick
returns.

GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO DEVELOP FISHERIES

24. Which steps is the government taking to improve the fisheries sector?
The government is taking a number of steps to improve the fisheries sector which include:
1. The introduction of new fishing methods
2. The developed of value-added products such as canned or frozen fish by providing fish-
processing facilities
3. Guidance and weather information for fishermen through broadcasting services and
government meteorological departments
4. The execution of development projects by the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) such
as ‘Monitoring of Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels’, ‘Strengthening of Quality Control
 Laboratories’, and additional improvement in MFD Labs in view of WTO (World Trade
Organisation) requirements.

FISH MARKETING
- Pakistan has a domestic and international market for fish, shrimps, and fish products.
25. How is the catch from marine fisheries supplied at the domestic level?
At the domestic level, the catch from marine fisheries is supplied to local fish markets
through wholesale dealers. In Karachi, the main fishing centre, street hawkers also buy
some of the catch and sell it from door to door. Frozen or processed fish is supplied to only
a few large stores in urban areas because people prefer to buy fresh fish and prawns rather
than processed ones. However, the local demand for fish is less than the catch. The per
capita consumption is 2 kg p.a, which is low compared to the world average, which is 16 kg
p.a.
26. Does Pakistan have a market on an international level?
Yes, Pakistan has a market for fish and fish products on an international level. About 30% of
the total catch is exported worldwide to countries including China, the European Union,
Thailand, Malaysia, Middle East, Sri Lanka, and Japan.
27. What does Pakistan export to countries in SE Asia and the Middle East?
Pakistan exports dried and salted fish to countries in SE Asia (chiefly China) and the Middle
East. Pakistan earns more than 6% of its total foreign exchange by exporting fish and fish
products.

THE EXPECTED SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF DEVELOPING

FISH FARMING
28. Why does fish farming have greater scope for Pakistan?
During recent years, it has been realised that fish farming has greater scope for Pakistan,
due to these reason:
1. Greater returns for fishermen
2. Increased employment
3. Use of technology and upgrading of skills will ensure increased fish production
4. Favourable impact on foreign exchange earnings
5. Reduced burden on crops and livestock

FISH FARMING AND THE ENVIRONMENT

29. How does fish farming affect the environment?
Fish farming affects the environment in a variety of ways as it affects the ecosystem and
causes chemical pollution but helps in recycling waste.
30. What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of plants and animals within a physical environment or
habitat. The components of the ecosystem (soil, plants, climate, and animals) are
interrelated to maintain a balance in the environment.

31. How have inland fish farms brought ecological changes?

 Inland fish farms have brought ecological changes as ground water is frequently pumped
out to supply these farms, which may lower the water-table. When the water evaporates,
salt remains in the soil, rendering it unsuitable for general vegetation and crops.
32. Why are coastal wetlands considered productive areas?
Coastal wetlands are considered productive areas because they provide nutrients to the
organisms living in marshy lands. These areas act as a nursery for many commercially
important fish varieties and other seafood. Conversion of such areas into farms has
disturbed the general marine ecosystem.
33. How has fish farming caused chemical pollution?
Fish farming has caused chemical pollution as effluent from fish farms may contain
chemicals used for disinfecting and controlling diseases, pets, and predators. It may contain
hormones used for inducing, breeding, and transfer of fish. All these may have an adverse
effect on other organisms in the environment.
- A positive effect of fish farming is that it helps in recycling waste.
34. How is recycling waste a positive effect of fish farming?
Recycling waste is a positive effect of fish farming as aquaculture helps to recycle domestic
and farm waste. Animal waste is considered a good organic fertiliser. Domestic and human
sewage can be used for fish farming. The use of domestic waste is restricted because of the
danger of transmission of human diseases. However, the combination of fish culture with
waste treatment gives good result.

PROBLEMS OF THE FISHING INDUSTRY

35. What are the main problems facing the fishing industry in Pakistan?
The main problems facing the fishing industry in Pakistan are water pollution, overfishing,
threat to mangroves, and lack of financial resources.

WATER POLLUTION
- Pollution on the coast of Pakistan is mostly limited to the Karachi area.
36. How is the water pollution in Karachi causing great harm to our fishing industry?
The water pollution in Karachi is causing great harm to our fishing industry as Karachi’s fish
harbour is severely affected by a variety of pollutants, including oil spillages from ships and
domestic and industrial waste.
37. What have studies shown about chemicals?
Studies have shown that numerous chemical, some of which have carcinogenic qualities,
toxic materials, and heavy metals including cadmium, aluminium, and nickel have been
found in marine life including fish, prawns, crabs, shrimps, and lobsters. These dangerous
substances enter the food chain when people consume seafood.
38. What is water pollution affecting besides the Karachi coast?
Water pollution is not limited to the Karachi coast but is also affecting the rivers of Pakistan.
This is because with growing population, industrialisation, and urbanisation, increasing
amounts of waste are dumped into rivers. Extensive use of chemical fertilisers and
pesticides in agriculture is another source of water pollution, as they leach into the river
system.
39. What needs to be done in order to protect fish resources?
In order to protect fish resources, an efficient system of waste treatment and disposal needs
to be developed, so that pollutants do not enter the rivers and the sea.
OVERFISHING
40. What is a problem associated with the fishing industry?
A problem associated with the fishing industry, besides water pollution, is of the overfishing
of shrimps throughout the year, even in the breeding season. This problem is due, in the
main, to foreign trawlers. This limits the production of shrimps.

THREAT TO MANGROVES
41. What is the importance of mangroves?
The importance of mangroves is that they act as a barrier that protects the coast from
extreme tides. They are important as a breeding ground for fish and shrimps and cannot
thrive in polluted water.

WATER POLLUTION
- Pakistan cannot afford to develop its fishing industry on modern lines. Most fishing uses
traditional methods, which produce low output.
42. How is modern technology useful?
Modern technology is useful as it increases fish production, but a disadvantage is that it
requires capital and skilled labour.
43. Why has Pakistan faced restrictions on its exports?
Pakistan has faced restrictions on its exports to developed countries due to traditional ways
of handling fish. Unreliable income from exports and low profits from the fishing industry
decrease investment and keep production low.

SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES
44. What does sustainable development mean?
Sustainable development means that fisheries should be developed to increase food
production for the present age. Balanced and effective measures should be taken to ensure
that fish populations can grow and are accessible to future generations.
- In Pakistan, few efforts have been made to ensure the sustainable development of fisheries.
45. What are factors responsible for the low performance of the fishing sector in
Pakistan?
The factors responsible for the low performance of the fishing sector in Pakistan include:
1. Overfishing (both by foreign trawlers and local fishermen)
2. Catching baby fish
3. The use of illegal nets
4. The destruction of mangroves
5. Water pollution caused by industrial and domestic waste, resulting in the extinction of
fish species.
46. What should the Government do in order to develop fisheries on sustainable lines?
In order to develop fisheries on sustainable lines, the Government should take all the above
factors into consideration and should:
1. Not allow foreign deep-sea trawlers to operate in the area of the Arabian Sea which is
under control of Pakistan, in order to avoid overfishing and to maintain a sustainable fish
population.
2. Implement the laws banning the use of illegal nets (these have small holes which catch
baby fish).
3. Maintain the ecological balance by strict enforcement of laws against the cutting of
mangrove forests and water pollution.
47. What can the development of fisheries on sustainable lines result in?
The development of fisheries on sustainable lines can result in the following advantages:
1. The provision of more food in the form of white meat that contains low cholesterol,
vitamin D, and other nutrients.
2. More employment opportunities in the fishing industry
3. An increase in foreign exchange earnings from exports of fresh and processed fish and
shrimps
4. The training and education of fishermen by teaching modern technological skills, such as
use of gillnetters, satellite navigation, the use of shoals for locating fish, etc.
5. The development of industries related to fishing, such as boat-building, net-making, and
of fish-processing industries, such as salting, canning, refrigerating, and packing
6. An improvement in infrastructure, such as better roads, electricity supply, etc.

FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING FISHERIES AS AN IMPORTANT

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN GWADAR (BALOCHISTAN)
- Fishing has long been the most important economic activity in Gwadar district.
48. What does the 600km Balochistan coast provide?
The 600km Balochistan coast provides employment and food for a large number of people.
- According to an estimate, more than half the population of Gwadar district is directly or
indirectly involved in fisheries. About 25% of the total catch in Pakistan is produced in the
district.

FISHING SEASON
49. When is fishing done?
Fishing in big boats is done throughout the year, but the part-time fishermen who use small
boats do not fish from May to September, the time of the south-west monsoon. At this time,
the sea is very rough, and it is the fish breeding season.

FISH SPECIES
50. How is the fish catch along the coast of Gwadar district?
The fish catch along the coast of Gwadar district is varied, and includes mackerel, herring,
sardines, drums, catfish, croaker, and also shrimps, cuttlefish, octopus, and squid.

FISHING TECHNIQUES
51. What does the equipment used in fishing techniques consist of?
The equipment used in fishing techniques consists of nets, nylon ropes, floats, and winches
(mechanical lifting devices).
52. What is a technique used by fishermen for fishing?
A technique used by fishermen for fishing is to use small nets with small boats, and go to
the sea for up to one day only. A big boat can stay at sea for up to 15 days.

FISH PROCESSING AT GWADAR

53. What was the initial standard for preserving fish in Gwadar?
 The initial standard for preserving fish in Gwadar was salting and drying.
54. When did the Department of Coastal Development and fisheries establish an ice
factory?
The Department of Coastal Development and Fisheries established an ice factory along the
coast at Pasni in 1970. The first private ice factory started production in 1976. Now, there
are several factories producing ice in the region and fresh fish packed in ice is sent to
Karachi.
- The advanced process of fish canning is done at Karachi.
55. Is there potential for a canning industry in the district?
Yes, there is great potential for a canning industry in the district, provided that road links are
available.
56. What was Pakistan banned for in 2007?
In 2007, Pakistan was one of 80 countries whose canned fish was banned for import to
Europe and other developed countries, mainly because of unhygienic canning factories. The
ban lifted in 2013, allowing canned fish to be exported to Europe again and increasing
Pakistan’s export revenue.

FISH MARKETING
57. What is fresh fish packed in ice?
Fresh fish is packed in ice for transportation to Karachi, from where it is exported to
countries all over the world, including Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, Sri Lanka,
Singapore, and the USA.
58. What are the three ways fish is marketed in?
The three ways fish is marketed in are:
1. Some businesses from Karachi or foreign countries buy fish in the open sea; in this way,
they avoid paying port charges.
2. Most of the fish is auctioned at harbours such as Gwadar and Pasni. Businessmen then
send it to Karachi and the neighbouring districts. Sometimes fish is sold directly from
here to foreign buyers.
3. A proportion of the total catch is sold to local people who are not involved in fishing.

THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO DEVELOP THE FISHING INDUSTRY

59. What are the federal and provincial governments involved in?
Both the federal and provincial governments are involved in coastal and fisheries
developments.
- In 1992, the Government of Pakistan completed the Gwadar Fish Harbour cum Mini Port.
60. Why was the harbour built?
The Gwadar Fish Harbour was built to provide fisheries with facilities like ice factories and
cold storage, to provide essential facilities for a fishing port, and to improve loading and
unloading facilities for commodities.

FUTURE PROJECTS
61. Are fisheries an important economic activity in Gwadar district?
 Yes, fisheries are and have been long an important economic activity in Gwadar district.
About 15% of workers are directly involved in fishing, while others work in related activities
(boat-building, net-making and repairing, fish processing, etc.).
62. What kind of a skill is fishing in Gwadar?
In Gwadar, fishing is a family skill, which is passed on from father to son. However, the new
Belt and Road initiative has disrupted the small fishermen’s access to the east ay where
they normally fish, and they are worried that they will lose their livelihood.
63. What is an advancing industry of the Gwadar district?
Boat-building is an advancing industry of the district. Craftsmen are trained as apprentices,
then spend their entire lives as contractual workers and are never in the position to be able
to manufacture a boat for sale with their own capital.
64. What is there a need for in the boat-building industry?
In the boat-building industry, there is a need for a co-operative bank which could provide
interest-free loans to these craftsmen. Similarly, there is a need for training and credit to be
made available for women in order to stimulate net-making and repairing work.
65. What could fish-processing provide if started at Gwadar?
Fish-processing, if started at Gwadar, could provide employment to many of the local
educated but unemployed youth. There is a need to attract private-sector investment by
providing different incentives. If Gwadar deep-sea port is a success, it may become a base
for strategic linkages to Central Asian States by providing them with port facilities.