KARACHI, May 31: A discussion was held here on Thursday between stakeholders on the issue of illegal fishing practices in Sindh and Balochistan. Organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), representatives of different government departments including the Marine Fisheries Department, Sindh and Balochistan Fisheries Departments, local and international NGOs and members of the fishermen’s community from both provinces participated in the discussion.

The Deputy Director, WWF Pakistan, Dr Ejaz Ahmed, highlighted the importance of such forums in addressing the issues related to fisheries. Syed Ghulam Qadir Shah, Manager Conservation, Sindh WWF, highlighted the different projects of organisations related to natural resource management.

Representatives of the fishermen of Sonmiani described how they had succeeded in implementing an anti-harmful net drive in their area. The participants also discussed the potential of implementing such initiatives in other areas, especially in Sindh, and identified Keenjhar Lake and some selected areas of Keti Bandar where initiatives would be implemented.

It was also decided that a follow-up meeting would be held in Karachi to draw up a comprehensive plan for the elimination of harmful practices in the areas.—PPI