Saba Javed

Pakistan’s fisheries sector faces uncountable problems because of poor management and lack of technical and operational advancement. The country needs digital tools with a vision to enhance trade and promote the protection and conservation of marine environment for future generations, said Dr Faiz Muhammad, Assistant Professor at the Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology, University of Karachi while talking to WealthPK.

The coasts of Pakistan are inhabited by many commercially important species of shrimps, crabs, lobsters and fish. There are about 70 species of fish, namely Spangled Emperor, Red Snipper, Cobia, King Fish, Grouper Fish, Hilsa, Pomfret, Sole, Tuna, and Sea Grey, which could be a great source of foreign exchange earnings.

“Data collection through modern digital technology is key to managing and conserving the fisheries resources in Pakistan. Standard data on fish stocks, their abundance, and diversity would help with informed decision-making and implementation of the fisheries policies,’’ said Dr Faiz.

According to him, Pakistan’s fisheries sector  faces many issues related to development and management. Fish degradation and fisheries management problems are due to high marine catch and low fish yield across the nation over the past years. So, data on fisheries resources is essential to formulating plans and strategies for conservation and management of the fisheries.

He said involving the fisheries staff and fishing communities in data collection will significantly contribute towards bridging the knowledge gaps, improving our understanding of fisheries abundance in the coastal areas and protecting and conserving the marine environment. In this regard, the WWF-Pakistan with the support of Engro Foundation has created the first-ever Mobile Application for Fisheries Data Collection in Pakistan, which now needs to be mainstreamed at the policy level, added Dr Faiz.

“A training programme must be arranged for the fisheries staff and local fishermen to brief them about the mobile application and its importance as a collaborative approach to the conservation of the fisheries resources in the coastal areas of Sindh.’’Dr Faiz said the data collected through mobile applications can be used for stock assessment, strategic planning, conservation, and harvesting of fisheries resources. He emphasized that compliance of national and international fisheries regulations can only be improved through authenticity and credibility of fisheries data that can be ensured through regular monitoring and assessment.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk