September 10, 2003	Wednesday	Rajab 12, 1424

KARACHI, Sept 9: Fish export during last month has shown increase in quantity but it has fetched slightly less amount than what was earned in August last year.

Fish traders consider this small decline in fish export proceeds as insignificant and normal business fluctuations rather than any other reason.

Tasman Spirit, an oil tanker carrying more than 67,000 tons of oil ran aground near the Karachi Port on July 27, and about 30,000 tons of crude oil flowed into the sea during August. It has crippled domestic fish trade in Karachi but official figures show that export trade has by and large remained unaffected.

According to official figures, 7,372 tons of fish was exported during August 2003. Its worth was $13.67 million or Rs790 million.

In August last year, 6,206 tons of fish was exported. It fetched $14.41 million or Rs858 million. It indicates that Pakistan fish obtained better per unit export value last year than this year.

Normally July and August are lean months for fish export as it is considered to be a breeding period for shrimps, prawns and a large variety of marine animals. Fish export starts picking up from September onwards till March.

Official planners expect $150 million export earnings from fish during the fiscal 2003-04.