Experts at a workshop stressed the need to gather data about fish stocks, their abundance and diversity in the Arabian sea to make effective policies in the future. The training workshop titled “Using Fisheries Data Collection Mobile Application” highlighted the role of data in making modern policies. The speakers elaborated that standardization of practices and data collection through modern tools and techniques is very essential if sustainability in fishing industry is to be ensured.

They said that evidence-based fisheries policies, plans, and strategies are highly needed to conserve the limited supplies of marine-food and make them sustainable in the long-term. The workshop was attended by 25 government officials from the Sindh Marine and Coastal Fisheries Development Department and Marine Fisheries Department (MFD). Director General of Sindh Marine and Coastal Fisheries Development Department Dr Ali Muhammad Mastoi said during his speech that Pakistan has huge reserves of marine life with a broad spectrum of diversity.

He added that credible data is very important for effective policies and strategies to conserve marine life and their sustenance for future generations. He said that involving fisheries staff and fishing communities in the data collection process will contribute towards bridging the knowledge gap. “It will also help in improving our understanding of marine life, their abundance and life cycles in Pakistani waters.” He appreciated the efforts toward the integration of digital tools in data collection, emphasizing that this initiative’s replication in the coastal areas of Pakistan, particularly Karachi, Thatta and Badin districts, will render very good results.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk