NIMA Observed World Fisheries Day 2022

Joint efforts of Government and stakeholders are essential for transforming the fisheries sector to address depleting fish stocks and economic prosperity, Mr. Tameezuddin Khero, Secretary Livestock & Fisheries, presides over NIMA’s Webinar

Karachi: Fisheries sector of Pakistan has a lot of potential, however, it can be developed with the active support of all stakeholders including the Federal and Provincial Governments. This was stated by Mr. Tameezuddin Khero, Secretary Livestock, and Fisheries, Sindh speaking as the Chief Guest during a webinar organized by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) in connection with World Fisheries Day 22. The theme of the webinar was “Protecting Marine Fisheries Resources of Pakistan – Way Forward towards Sustainable Fisheries”.  He emphasized that there is a need to empower the provincial fisheries domain as per the 18^th Amendment. He also suggested that all stakeholders including the seafood processing industry, fishermen, harbor authorities, and government regulators have to align their efforts and work together to improve the situation.

Vice Admiral (Retd) Ahmed Saeed HI(M), Director General National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) in his opening remarks welcomed the Chief Guest, speakers, and the participant and highlighted  NIMA’s efforts towards the development of the country’s maritime sector. He said, there is a need to transform the fisheries sector for the economic development of the country. Earlier as a moderator of the webinar, Director NIMA Karachi Cdre (Retd) Ali Abbas SI(M), highlighted that World Fisheries Day is celebrated every year to emphasize the importance of a healthy ocean, stocks assessment, and ensuring workable practices for sustainable fisheries and also to show solidarity to all fishing community and the concerned stakeholders.

On the occasion, the keynote speaker Engineer Faisal Iftikhar, CEO of Deep Blue Seafoods underlined the challenges faced by the fisheries sector. Mentioning the stock assessment report, he said that almost 80% of the fish stock has been depleted. However, he proposed to promote aquaculture practices as an alternative for the fisherman community to reduce the pressure on fish stock.

Mr. M. Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor WWF, Pakistan, mentioned the depletion of various species of fish and shellfish. He highlighted the significance and need for protecting marine fisheries resources to promote sustainable fishing practices. He recommended that the reduction in post-harvest losses will ensure additional raw material as well as fetch better prices.

The webinar also featured two renowned Iranian fisheries experts, Dr. Farhad Kaymaram and Dr. Tooraj Valinasaab, who presented their papers and shared intellectual insights. They highlighted the issue of Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing practices as the main cause of depleting the fish stock resources, especially Yellowfin Tuna, and recommended to all the stakeholders to work together ensure compliance with conservation and management measures for sustainable fish stock. Dr. Valinassab also stressed upon the need for Pakistan, Iran, Oman, and other regional countries to work together.

In concluding remarks, the Chief Guest appreciated the efforts of NIMA for organizing the webinar on a such an important topic and providing a platform to deliberate on issues and challenges related to Fisheries. The event was attended by Government Officials, Marine Scientists, Consultants, Representative of Fishermen from Sindh and Balochistan, and other core stakeholders of the Fisheries Sector.