KARACHI, Jan 11: The Karachi Fish Harbour has now been recognised as one of the best harbours in the world because of a change in its general hygienic conditions.

This was stated by speakers on the concluding day of a week-long cleanliness drive at the harbour on Saturday.

A few years back, they added, a ban had been imposed by the European Union on the import of Pakistani seafood due to unhygienic conditions in the harbour. But it was lifted later on because of improved conditions which were achieved after sustainable efforts by the new management which has focused on cleanliness during the past three-and-a-half years.

A pledge was made by all the stackholders to raise the standard of the harbour according to international standard, so as to boost the export of seafood.

During the week-long campaign, channel and auction halls were cleaned up and all sorts of illegal structures on the premises of the harbour were removed. A ban has been imposed on spitting paan and the use of chalias.

A certificate distribution ceremony was also held on the occasion. Chairman of the Fishermen Cooperative Society, Syed Tayyab Naqvi, Managing-Director Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority Abdul Waheed Pirzada, FCS vice-chairman Haji Shafi Mohammad Jamote and Haji Wali Mohammad spoke.

They said without maintaining hygienic conditions the country could not boost its seafood exports.

There has been a decline in the catch of fish and shrimp because of deep-sea fishing, indiscriminate use of soft nets - locally known as Boolo, Gujja and Katra - and other factors such as growth of jelly fish in the sea, they added.

They demanded a ban on deep-sea fishing and use of soft nets in the creeks by enforcing an effective ban in the coastal areas.

They called for adopting modern methods of fish preservation on board according to international standard and shunning old traditional methods which have been rejected in other countries.

The speakers called upon all the stackholders to fulfil their responsibilities in this regard in the larger interest of the fishermen and fisheries’ sector.

President of the Pakistan Seafood Industries Hanif Khan urged the government to reconsider its policy regarding deep-sea fishing, which has been responsible for the destruction of seafood resources. He warned that if early steps were not taken million of fishermen would be rendered jobless.

The meeting was also attended by FCS directors, KFHA officials and representatives of processing units.