QUETTA: The Balochistan As­­­sembly’s Standing Committee on Fisheries was informed on Friday that the provincial fisheries department, despite having limited resources, has seized 11 illegal fishing trawlers since January this year in Makran waters.

A meeting of the committee, chaired by MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, was briefed on key issues being faced by the Balochistan fisheries department.

The committee was briefed on the alarming rate of exploitation of fisheries resources, highlighting the need for effective methods for improvement and restoration.

The meeting noted that lack of harmony in trading regulations between Sindh and Balochistan and due to insufficient resources, the Balochistan fisheries department faces challenges in curbing illegal trawling, such as inadequate fuel (less than a month’s budget), a shortage of patrolling vessels, and limited manpower.

“Despite these obstacles, the department employees have risked their lives and seized 11 trawlers since January 2023,” the meeting was informed.

Chairman of the Committee Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman stressed the need for significant increase in Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) to ensure effective patrolling of the sea, highlighting the potential for billions in revenue with proper funding.

He said that by providing the department with a good budget, the province could generate billions of rupees.

He urged the government to allocate funds for repairs of boats of the department to prevent illegal trawling, which has led to the extinction of several fish species.

The committee stressed the need for the Balochistan government to raise the issue with the federal government, noting that illegal trawling has resulted in loss of billions of rupees in annual income to the government.

The parliamentary secretary remarked that a large number of illegal trawlers cannot be stopped by a few employees of the Balochistan fisheries department, emphasising provision of additional resources for the purpose.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to addressing these challenges and ensuring sustainable management of the country’s fishery resources.

Abdul Majeed Badini, Zabid Ali Reki, Ms Safia and parliamentary secretary for fisheries Barkat Ali Rind attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2024