KARACHI, May 22: Lack of an effective and consistent government policy has jeopardized the growth of mangroves alongside the coastal belt of Sindh and Balochistan, due to which the country is likely to lose a large amount of seafood in the near future.

Large mangrove areas fall under the category of Benami, not registered but owned by the revenue departments of the provinces, and at which no plantation has been undertaken.

Mangrove forests in the country are likely to be destroyed if the government does not initiate plantation of mangroves wherever jetties are built or other development projects are launched.

Environmentalists and conservationists have underscored the need for concrete measure by both the Sindh and the Balochistan governments. They have urged the governments to evolve an effective policy to save the vanishing breeding grounds of sea species, for future seafood availability.

Environmentalists have called for launching a mass tree plantation campaign in on Sindh and Balochistan coasts involving the local communities in the process. Seafood experts estimate that by halting the destruction of forest more than 100 kg fish, 25 kg shrimps, 15 kg crab, 200 kg of sea cucumber per hectare of mangroves can be got annually, which can meet the food requirements of the country and boost the exports.—PPI