KARACHI, Nov 26: The district Nazim, Gwadar, has kicked up a row over fishing by Karachi-based trawlers in the Makran coast and has vehemently opposed the decision of the Balochistan Coastal Development Authority in this regard.

On Oct 6, the Authority had issued an order permitting the Karachi-based trawlers and wire-netters to fish along the Balochistan coast against a consideration of Rs30,000 and Rs50,000.

In a message faxed to Dawn, Gwadar Nazim Babu Ghulab claimed that the decision had created panic among the fishing community of Balochistan.

Terming it a direct violation of Balochistan Sea Fisheries Ordinance and an encroachment on the sea resources of the province, he called for its immediate cancellation.

He regretted that contrary to the past practices, the government did not consider it necessary to consult the local fishermen and their representatives.

According to him, in the past the government had always been firm on wire-netting and did not succumb to any pressure on this count.

He said the decision would in no way curb the activity of fisheries mafia based in Karachi, who had been minting million of rupees through illegal fishing in the coast.

Accusing that several mafia had been developed in Karachi who are masterminding the illegal fishing trade for the last ten years, the Nazim said the trade was still in full swing in connivance with the fisheries officials of the province.

After the decision, he said, the Karachi-based trawlers and wire-netters had rushed to the coastal area, particularly to Ormara, Kalmat, Spa-hak, Pasni, Chur Bandar, Sharmal Bandar and even Gwadur.

He said these trawlers would cause immense damage to coastal resources as was done in Sindh in the past.

He took exception to the argument that the Karachi-based trawlers had already been giving bribes to patrolling teams for illegal fishing why not the activity be regulated for generation of funds.

He said instead of taking action against the corrupt officials, the government was protecting them at the cost of destruction of the marine sources.

Last year when the fisheries department took strict action Rs6.3 million was collected from fish auction and 15 million as fine, he added.

The decision to legalize the illegal fishing would only serve the interests of fisheries mafia. He urged that other than trawling and wire-netting, a complete ban should also be imposed on sophisticated nets in the Makran coast.