QUETTA: The provincial cabinet has approved the Balochistan Sustai­n­able Fisheries and Aquac­ulture Policy 2025-2035.

The meeting termed the policy a “landmark achievement” and the first of its kind in the country’s history.

It noted that the policy was a testament to Balochistan government’s commitment to sustainable development and good governance that will ensure responsible use of provincial resources.

The policy will promote aquaculture development for socio-economic uplift with alternative livelihoods in the province.

Dr Javed Anwar Shahwani, the secretary of Fisheries and Coastal Development Dep­a­r­t­ment, presented the policy at the cabinet meeting.

All fishing vessels to be registered and equipped with tracking system

He was accompanied by Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Senior Policy Specialist Dr Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal and Fisheries Department’s focal person Dr Allauddin Kakar.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shahwani said that the policy has been developed in 11 months through an inclusive and participatory process and technical help from the FAO.

The financial support help was provided by Inter­national Fund for Agricultural Develo­pment (IFAD) under Gwadar-Lasbela Liveli­hood Support Project Phase-II.

Dr Shahwani said that the policy contents were fully aligned with national legislation and international obligations. The salient features of the policy included the declaration of fisheries and aquaculture sector as an industry.

The policy also focused on sustainable management and rebuilding fish stocks. It maintained a ban on trawling and restricted the use of harmful gears.

It has envisioned to improve governance th­r­ough the establishment of the Balochistan Fisheries & Aquaculture Council.

A special provision has been added to the policy for the creation of the Endowment Fund and Balochistan Fisheries Welfare Fund. A provision has been made to revisit the existing outdated legislation and to establish special courts for speedy justice.

Reforms will also be brought in the existing governing setup of harbours and coastal development.

The Fishe­ries Depart­ment will establish monitoring, control and surveillance system and collaborate with the federal law enforcement agencies in this regard.

All unregistered fishing vessels shall be registered and the Vessel Monitoring System shall be installed.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2025