Destructive Fishing Practices Being Applied at The Coastal Areas of Lasbela Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Current work concentrates on the Destructive Fishing Practices (DFPs) which are being used, their impact on both marine biodiversity and on the livelihood of local inhabitants of coastal areas of District Lasbela, Balochistan Pakistan. Three coastal areas of District Lasbela were selected for the study i.e., Gaddani, Damb (Sonmiani) and Bundewari (Allana Goth) during Dec 2018 to Jan 2019 then in Dec 2019 to Feb 2020. Through an analysis of interviews, focus group discussions with local fishermen and personal observations, the data illustrates, illegal and prohibited fishing practices like bottom trawling is being applied extensively all-around coastal waters of Balochistan. In spite of being banned, encircling net/improvised purse seine net locally known as “wire net” or “Gujja” is being used widely in coastal waters of Lasbela. Around 60% of total catch landing on Gaddani, Dam and Bundewari fish landing sites/jetties, comprised of juvenile fish and other aquatic species are not consumed. These unwanted and trash fish in huge quantity is sold to feed mills which are further processed and used as poultry feed. According to local fishermen about 70%, fish catch is declined due to banned mesh sized fishing nets that trap premature fishes and many other marine species. As local fishermen can afford small wooden boats and catch fish up to 2-4 nautical miles, are facing fish decline problems the most. They spend more than 6-8 hours in sea coming back with only 10-20 kg fish or sometimes without any catch