KARACHI, Sept 12: A meeting of stakeholders of fisheries sector was held here to discuss the constitution of a new national fisheries board and national fishery policy.

The meeting, chaired by Federal Fisheries Commisioner Dr Mohammad Hayat, discussed various issues pertaining to fisheries sector. These included lack of basic amenities in fishermen villages, deep-sea policy, use of harmful nets causing destruction to juvenile species.

A representative of the Fishermen Cooperative Society highlighted the role of the Society with regard to welfare activity, saying despite the fact that the FCS has a limited budget, it is playing an active role for welfare of fishermen.

He referred to the provision of water supply to the fishermen villages, besides medical and educational facilities.

He urged the federal and provincial governments to prepare welfare plans for fishermen.

The Federal Commissioner assured the meeting that he would take up all the issues raised by the stakeholders to the relevant authorities.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of the FCS, Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authoriies, Marine Fisheries Department besides UNIDO and the FAO.

Earlier, speakers welcomed the formation of the National Fisheries Policy and National Fisheries Board and termed them inevitable for growth of local fishing industry.They assured the federal government of their full cooperation in the regard. They demanded that a representative of FCS should be included in the board.

The speakers also demanded that the fishermen should be provided with duty-free equipment, including engines and nets. They said that fishermen also be provided with subsided diesel and low-interest bank loans, so that the local fishing industry could be helped standing on its own feet.

They urged the provincial and federal governments to provide loans for boat modification.

The UNIDO and FAO representative said he would try to get funding from the European and other countries for project of fish farming and solving problems of fishermen.