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Moot calls for development of fisheries sector
QUETTA: A round table conference in Gwadar on Saturday called for improving the life standard of people linked with fisheries living in the coastal areas of the country.
The discussion on ‘Issues in Fisheries and Coastal Area Development in Balochistan’ was organised by Chief Minister’s Policy Reforms Unit under Strengthening Participatory Federalism and Decentralisation Project of the UNDP in collaboration with Fisheries Department of Balochistan.
Representatives of the fishermen told the conference unavailability of clean drinking water, lack of proper cooling system and modern equipments, untrained and unskilled labour and illegal smuggling of Iranian oil were some of the major problems which created hurdles for the fishermen. “But, on the top of all is illegal trolling in the coastal waters,” they said, adding that such illegal practices were very dangerous for the overall marine ecosystem.
Chairman Gwadar Port Dostain Khan Jamaldini said the dwindling export of quality fish was due to illegal netting as fishermen uses mesh net for fishing. “This practice should be abolished,” he said, and added that government is committed to provide all facilities at the fish harbour. He stressed the need to adopt modern techniques for the processing, storing, packing and transporting of sea food.
Former provincial minister Zahoor Buledi said process of release of funds by the provincial government was very slow. He said provision of missing facilities at harbours and construction of a road network will give new boost to this sector. He said that fishermen should be declared labour and labour laws and international conventions should be followed in the fisheries sector.
GDA Director General Sajjad Baloch said community development would bring positive change as it would help create awareness about the problems and make opportunities available in the coastal areas. He said Balochistan is enriched in natural resources and that GDA was working to tap these resources. He said private groups should come forward to invest in the coastal areas development and tourism industry.Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk