Sindh lifts ban on fishing before time
Under the Sindh Fisheries Ordinance 1980, a two-month ban is imposed every year during June and July to allow for the natural breeding cycle of shrimp and fish. The ban plays a vital role in protecting marine life and future fishery stocks. The wildlife and marine experts have expressed serious concerns about the environmental and economic consequences of ending the ban prematurely.
According to WWF-Pakistan's Technical Advisor, Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Pakistan's shrimp production has already seen a steep decline from 27,000 tons in 2020 to just 17,400 tons in 2024. He noted that, by international standards, a minimum three-month ban (from May to July) is recommended to ensure full breeding. "Sadly, in Sindh, even the two-month ban was not allowed to mature," he said.
Khan warned that while the decision may be justified in the name of supporting fishermen's livelihood, the long-term result will be depletion of marine resources, ultimately harming the same communities.
Fisherfolk representative Abdul Majeed Motani also opposed the early lifting of the ban, stating that it was influenced by a powerful political figure in the Sindh government, not by genuine concern for the fishing community. He added that fishing in this season is dangerous due to rough sea conditions, and claimed to have formally raised the issue with the Joint Maritime Information and Coordination Centre, warning them of the risks to both marine life and fishermen.
Meanwhile, the Federal Marine Fisheries Department has also expressed alarm over the decision of prematurely ending the ban. Department's Director General, Dr. Mansoor Wassan, stated that lifting the ban early will accelerate the decline of fish and shrimp stocks, adversely affecting the Pakistan's seafood exports.
Efforts by The Express Tribune to contact Sindh's Secretary of Livestock and Fisheries, Kazim Jatoi, for an explanation went unanswered. Calls and WhatsApp messages sent to his official number also received no response.
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