Fishermen in the Coastal Areas of Balochistan – Challenges and Potential

Globally, fisheries are recognized as valuable capital assets capable of delivering significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. However, marine fisheries remain an underperforming sector due to poor governance and management. The World Bank estimates a gap of $50 billion annually between actual and potential economic benefits, highlighting the urgent need for better governance, legal frameworks, and sustainable practices.

In Pakistan, the fisheries sector plays a crucial role in rural economic growth, contributing significantly to livelihoods and exports. Balochistan, with its 745 km coastline, accounts for a substantial share of the nation’s fish production, directly employing 400,000 people and supporting ancillary industries like boatbuilding and marketing. In coastal areas, fisheries provide up to 70% of local employment. Key fish species include sea catfish, hairtail, and sardines, with the total catch valued at over PKR 12.7 billion, though it contributes less than 1% to Pakistan’s GDP.

Despite its potential, Balochistan’s fisheries face major constraints. Overfishing and illegal trawling, often by Sindh-based trawlers, deplete fish stocks and damage marine ecosystems. The provincial Fisheries Department, responsible for managing the sector within the 22 km territorial waters, lacks sufficient funding, resources, and trained personnel to enforce regulations effectively. Additionally, outdated stock assessments and limited research further hinder informed decision-making.

The sector also struggles with inadequate infrastructure, including poorly maintained ports and landing sites, silting harbors, and limited access to modern cold storage and processing facilities. Most fish are sent to Karachi for processing and export, reducing economic benefits for local communities. Illegal, unregistered, and unreported (IUU) fishing by oceanic gill net vessels further exacerbates the problem, violating international agreements.

A lack of formal research institutions in Balochistan compounds the challenges. The University of Lasbella at Uthal has plans for postgraduate programs, but broader institutional coordination is needed. Updated stock assessments and training programs are critical for sustainable fisheries management.

To unlock the sector’s potential, a comprehensive program of reforms, investments, and policy updates is required. Addressing infrastructure deficiencies, enhancing regulatory enforcement, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and fostering value addition can transform Balochistan’s fisheries into a sustainable engine of economic and social development.

1. Depletion of Fish Stocks

Overfishing

The fisheries in Balochistan are overexploited due to unregulated and unsustainable fishing practices. The absence of effective fisheries management allows unrestricted entry into the sector, leading to excessive fishing efforts and reduced fish populations. This open-access approach has severely stressed the marine ecosystem.

Illegal Trawling

Trawlers, particularly from Sindh, frequently enter Balochistan’s territorial waters illegally. These trawlers use destructive methods, such as bottom trawling, which damages the seabed and marine habitats. This intrusion reduces the availability of fish for local fishermen and has led to growing tensions between provincial fishing communities.

Climate Change

The impact of climate change is another significant constraint. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification disrupt fish breeding cycles and migration patterns, while extreme weather events, such as cyclones and storms, frequently damage fishing infrastructure and equipment.

2. Lack of Modern Technology

Outdated Fishing Methods

Most fishermen in Balochistan rely on traditional fishing practices that are inefficient and yield low catches. These outdated techniques prevent fishermen from competing effectively in local and global markets.

Insufficient Cold Storage and Processing Facilities

The lack of cold storage and modern processing plants results in high post-harvest losses, with an estimated 20–25% of the catch being wasted due to poor handling and preservation techniques.

Limited Access to Modern Boats and Equipment

Fishermen in the region use small, poorly equipped boats that lack modern safety equipment and navigational tools. This restricts their ability to fish in deeper waters and increases the risks associated with fishing during rough weather.

3. Infrastructure Deficiencies

Inadequate Landing Facilities

Most fish landing sites in Balochistan are poorly developed, with fish often landed directly on beaches, exposing the catch to contamination and loss of quality. There are few jetties, quays, or auction halls to facilitate hygienic and efficient handling.

Silting of Harbors

Major harbors, such as Pasni and Damb, are heavily silted, making them inaccessible for fishing vessels. Fishermen are forced to use makeshift landing areas, further complicating the transportation and storage of their catch.

Poor Connectivity

Remote fishing villages lack proper road networks and transport facilities, limiting fishermen’s access to markets. The absence of refrigerated vehicles further reduces the quality and value of the fish by the time it reaches buyers.

4. Market and Value Chain Challenges

Exploitation by Middlemen

Fishermen are often dependent on middlemen (arthis), who buy their catch at low prices and monopolize the supply chain. This exploitation limits fishermen’s income and discourages them from investing in better equipment and techniques.

Lack of Value Addition

The fishing industry in Balochistan is primarily focused on raw fish sales. Most value addition, such as processing and packaging, takes place in Karachi, leaving little economic benefit for the province.

Limited Export Opportunities

Balochistan’s fisheries sector lacks direct export facilities, sanitary controls, and adherence to international standards like HACCP. As a result, it struggles to access lucrative global markets, such as the European Union.

5. Environmental and Habitat Degradation

Pollution

Coastal pollution from industrial waste, untreated sewage, and oil spills significantly impacts marine ecosystems. These pollutants harm fish breeding grounds and reduce the availability of key species.

Habitat Loss

The destruction of mangroves along the Balochistan coast, which serve as critical fish nurseries, further depletes fish stocks and threatens biodiversity.

6. Socioeconomic Constraints

Poverty and Debt Dependency

Many fishermen live below the poverty line and are trapped in cycles of debt due to exploitative financial arrangements with middlemen. The lack of access to credit and alternative livelihoods exacerbates their vulnerability.

Marginalization of Women

While women play a role in fish drying and processing, they remain excluded from decision-making and lack opportunities for economic empowerment within the sector.

Child Labor

High poverty levels have led to the prevalence of child labor in fishing communities, perpetuating low literacy rates and limiting future opportunities for younger generations.

7. Weak Governance and Policy Gaps

Outdated Regulations

The legal framework governing fisheries in Balochistan is outdated and insufficient to address modern challenges. Policies do not adequately account for sustainable practices or co-management approaches that involve local communities.

Weak Monitoring and Surveillance

The Fisheries Department lacks the resources and capacity to monitor illegal fishing activities or enforce existing regulations effectively. Patrol boats and trained personnel are insufficient to manage the 745 km coastline.

Institutional Overlaps

Overlapping responsibilities between agencies such as the Balochistan Coastal Development Authority and the Gwadar Development Authority create inefficiencies and confusion in managing coastal resources.

8. Lack of Research and Data

Outdated Stock Assessments

The last comprehensive stock assessment for Balochistan’s fisheries was conducted over 25 years ago. The absence of updated data hampers effective policy-making and sustainable resource management.

Limited Research on Aquaculture

Despite its potential, coastal aquaculture remains underdeveloped due to a lack of research on suitable species, farming techniques, and market opportunities.

Recommendations for Addressing the Constraints

1. Policy and Governance Reforms: Revise fisheries laws to regulate fishing efforts, enforce bans on destructive practices, and introduce co-management systems involving local fishermen.
2. Infrastructure Development: Build modern landing sites, jetties, auction halls, and cold storage facilities to improve fish handling and reduce post-harvest losses.
3. Capacity Building: Provide fishermen with training in sustainable practices, modern fishing techniques, and safety protocols.
4. Promote Value Addition: Establish fish processing units within Balochistan to enhance local value addition and create economic opportunities.
5. Strengthen Monitoring and Surveillance: Equip the Fisheries Department with better patrol boats, advanced technology, and skilled personnel to curb illegal fishing activities.
6. Encourage Sustainable Practices: Conduct updated stock assessments to set sustainable catch limits and promote the use of eco-friendly fishing gear.
7. Foster Aquaculture Development: Develop a master plan for coastal aquaculture, focusing on viable species and incentivizing private sector investment.
8. Enhance Market Access: Develop export facilities in Gwadar and other coastal towns, and implement international standards to expand market opportunities.

Conclusion

The fisheries sector in Balochistan holds immense potential to drive economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and contribute to Pakistan’s exports. However, it remains constrained by overfishing, weak governance, inadequate infrastructure, outdated stock assessments, and limited value addition. Illegal and unregulated fishing further threatens marine ecosystems and undermines sustainable practices.

To address these challenges, comprehensive reforms are needed, including better governance, enforcement of regulations, investment in modern infrastructure, and capacity building for fishermen. Updating stock assessments and fostering research and training programs will provide the foundation for sustainable fisheries management. Promoting value-added processing and direct export facilities in Balochistan can maximize economic benefits for local communities while reducing dependence on Karachi-based facilities.

By addressing these constraints and adopting sustainable practices, the fisheries sector in Balochistan can be transformed into a resilient and productive industry. This will not only improve the well-being of coastal communities but also ensure the long-term preservation of marine resources, contributing to the broader economic and environmental goals of Pakistan.