KARACHI, May 31: A customary two-month ban on catch of fresh water fish will come into force from June 1 in the coastal belt of the province under Sindh Fisheries Ordinance. The ban on fishing by trawlers during June and July, declared as breeding season, is mandatory on fishermen to observe to ensure conservation of juvenile fish species.

The ban imposed every year was relaxed with experts having different opinions about breeding seasons of the various species of fish. They say each species has its own breeding season.

They call the ban on fishing by trawlers during June and July as unjustified. They argue that from May to August the flow of water currents is from India towards Pakistan.

According to them, this change in flow of current makes shrimps available in abundance in the coastal waters of Karachi and Sindh. If trawling is not permitted in these months, by mid-Aug, all shrimps will flow back into Indian waters.

Thus, they maintain that imposition of the seasonal ban would deprive local trawlers and small fishermen from their livelihood, as they would lose out on the catch of shrimps and fish.

The small fishermen also question why the ban does not apply to foreign deep-sea trawlers, who are allowed to operate during these two months and who reap all benefit of a good catch.

They argue that the operation of foreign trawlers prove there is abundance of shrimps and fish in these two months.

They said the ban has always benefited foreign trawlers and, therefore, should be lifted for local trawlers as well.