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Food supply

Pakistan's Fisheries Sector Holds Potential for Multi-Billion Dollar Exports and Job Creation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pakistan's 1,001-km coastline and 240,000 square km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) hold significant potential for developing a multi-billion-dollar sustainable fisheries industry. According to the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025-2035, the country's marine fisheries resources have shared rights for exploitation, but overfishing, overcapacity, and destructive practices have depleted fish stocks by 60 to 90 percent. The policy aims to promote responsible use of these resources, ensure food security, and generate employment opportunities for over a million families through export-oriented growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025-2035 aims to promote responsible use of marine and inland fisheries and aquaculture resources through coherent governance at federal and provincial levels.
  • Pakistan's marine fisheries resources have shared rights for exploitation through clear jurisdiction of federal government and the governments of Sindh and Balochistan.
  • The country's fisheries sector has significant potential to develop into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with opportunities to earn over $2 billion in exports and generate employment for over a million families.
  • The policy seeks to ensure livelihoods of people, poverty alleviation, and comprehensive export-oriented growth of the fisheries sector.
  • Responsible use of marine resources is essential to prevent further depletion and ensure their long-term viability.
  • Overfishing, overcapacity, and destructive practices have depleted fish stocks by 60 to 90 percent, highlighting the need for sustainable management practices.
  • The policy draft was conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Statistics:

  • Pakistan's coastline is 1,001 km long.
  • The country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans 240,000 square km.
  • Marine fisheries resources have shared rights for exploitation through clear jurisdiction of federal and provincial governments.
  • Overfishing, overcapacity, and destructive practices have depleted fish stocks by 60 to 90 percent.
  • The country's fisheries sector has potential to earn over $2 billion in exports.
  • The policy aims to generate employment for over a million families.

Sources:

  • National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025-2035 (Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations)
  • FAO of the United Nations

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