KARACHI, July 19: The Fishermen Cooperative Society (FCS) has given a three-month extension to the boat owners for carrying out necessary modifications of their vessels in compliance with the requirements of the European Union (EU). Earlier, the last date for carrying out necessary changes was July 31, 2007.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the board of directors of the Fishermen Cooperative Society (FCS) on Thursday with the Adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister on Fisheries, Faqir Mohammad Mangrio, in chair. Besides, the modification issue the meeting also discussed the commencement of the new fishing season from August 1.

The fishermen were advised to complete the modification of the fish hold in their boats otherwise export of seafood to the EU countries would become difficult.

The meeting was told that the Sindh government would provide a subsidy to boat owners for undertaking the required modifications and the procedure for the subsidy amount would be announced soon.

The adviser assured the fishermen that problems concerning his department would be solved soon while issues relating to the federal government would be taken up with the concerned ministries for solution.

The meeting was told that the EU and other importing countries would turn to others if Pakistan’s seafood industry did not conform to the required quality standards and it would be a major setback for the industry.—APP