KARACHI, July 1: The Pakistan Fisher-folk Forum on Thursday expressed reservations over the working of the raiding teams constituted by the provincial fisheries department to check the use of prohibited nets.

PFF Chairman Syed Mohammad Ali Shah told APP that the committees lacked accessories like boats and other facilities required to fulfil their duties independently and efficiently, instead of depending upon the local communities.

He alleged that officials asked local fishing communities to arrange boats and manpower for raids against those using prohibited nets. The raids guided and sponsored by fishermen led to quarrels and litigation between them, he said and added that most of the users of prohibited nets were influential people.

He alleged that the officials forced fishermen to bear the expenses of fuel of the boats used in raids and make special arrangement for their food and stay. This added to the miseries of the community facing unemployment due to diminishing fish catch caused by short supply of freshwater, over-exploitation of marine resources, including deep-sea fishing and loss of mangroves, and high pollution of the coast, he said.

Mr Shah said the influential users of prohibited nets were using the officials to pressure poor fishermen. He alleged that some groups were misusing the licences issued by the customs department. They fished in deep sea during the ban and brought their huge catch to the shore after its expiry, he said. -APP