KARACHI, Dec 11: Senior authorities of the fisheries department have decided to engage a reputed firm for fumigation before the European Union’s inspector arrives in January.

A meeting attended by senior officials decided on fumigation in the auction halls, jetties, boats and surrounding areas.

Advisor to the chief minister for Fisheries and Chairman of Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KFHA) Fakir Mohammad Jaddam Mangrio presided over the meeting.

A KFHA spokesman said Mr Mangrio urged the participants to take measures to improve the overall condition of the harbour.

The secretary fisheries gave a brief account of his representation presented before the Sindh chief minister while DG marine fisheries department (MFD) said the EU inspection team was expected in January.

Secretary Fisheries said the Sindh government had already released Rs50 million to the KFHA for up-gradation/renovation of K-2 auction hall. He said a PC-I of Rs200 million was under preparation to bring overall improvement in Karachi Fish Harbour and would be submitted to the provincial government soon

The meeting was informed that approx 410 Hela boats and trawlers would be available for inspection during the visit of EU.

The director general marine fiseries department stressed that a fishing trip should not be exceed more than six days, which was agreed by all participants.