Threats to marine life is one of the most pressing issues of this time, and surprisingly one of the most neglected one as well.
In the past years, Pakistan tried to combat major challenges from plastic pollution, IUU fishing to habitat destruction, overfishing and more.
However, climate change had further exacerbates these risks, impacting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Current challenges to marine conservation:
In simple terms marine conservation, which is also known as ocean conservation, means the protection of marine ecosystems and life.
There are plenty of threats to marine conservation, however, we’ll take a brief look at the major ones.
IUU fishing in Pakistan:
Around one million people depend upon fishing in Pakistan for their livelihood. The Southern Sindh region is the country’s biggest fish producer with a coastal belt of 352 kilometers.
As per a thorough study on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by Social Peace Foundation (SPF), Japan, with SCOPE Pakistan, marine resources with the declaration of an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in 1976, Pakistan’s fishing limits were extended to 200 nautical miles from the shore.
Currently, sustainable fisheries is facing challenges such as overfishing with illegal nets, and small fishermen in Pakistan have grave concerns about threat.
Another concerning challenge is the allocation of fishing permits to Chinese fishing vessels under the Deep Sea Fishing policy, which is destroying ecosystems.
Plastic pollution in Pakistan:
Pakistan is facing a huge threat to marine conservation due to plastic pollution, which is wasted over 3.3 million tons every year.
This plastic ends up in landfills, unmanaged dumps, and in bodies of water, damaging the environment and marine ecosystem.
It is pertinent to note that Pakistan has one of the highest rates of mismanaged plastic in South Asia unfortunately.
Pakistan’s marine life policy:
Pakistan has a marine life policy, which includes laws, regulations, and programs to protect marine life and ecosystems.
In 2016, The Marine Insurance Act was passed which regulates marine insurance policies in the country.
Plea to concerned authorities:
Protecting marine life is not only a moral obligation, but also a crucial requirement of time that demands swift and decisive action from policymakers and law enforcement agencies.
I urge the concerned authorities to take immediate and adequate action to safeguard marine conservation in Pakistan.
