KARACHI: A meeting presided over by Sindh Fisheries Minister Zahid Ali Bhurgri decided that one-month ban on fishing would be enforced in July this year.

The meeting held at Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KFHA) was attended by Abdul Ghani Jokhio, Managing Director KFHA, Commodore Azir Mumtaz, Deputy Director General, Maritime Security Agency (MSA), representative of Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG), Vice Chairman, Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association (PFEA), representatives of Fishermen Society, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, fishermen, Sindh Trawlers Owners Association, Mole Holders etc.

Representatives of fishing community stressed on effective implementation of ban on fishing but for only one month in the entire coastal areas. They also urged to enforce ban on destructive nets and controlling of sea pollution.

However, Vice Chairman PFEA conveyed the reservation of his association on one month ban for July and urged that it should be for two months.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister said that it was collective responsibility of all stakeholders to take effective measures for the conservation of marine resources. He informed that 200 destructive nets had been burnt at Karachi Fish Harbor out of 500 nets confiscated by the Sindh Fisheries Department so far.

He further informed that in coordination with City District Government and Water Sewerage Board efforts were being taken to control the pollution. He also asked Managing Director KFHA to hold a meeting with Sindh Forest Department, KPT, Environmental Protection Agency, Sindh Fisheries for conservation of mangroves which was the natural hatcheries for shrimps and other species.

Abdul Ghani Jokhio, Managing Director informed the meeting that from 1st August 2012, KFHA would not allow landing of trash fish at Karachi Fish Harbor.