Fishing Industry Worksheet

1. Explain the importance of the fishing industry in Pakistan's economy.

The fishing industry plays a significant role in Pakistan's economy. It contributes about 6%
of the country's total foreign exchange earnings. This is achieved through the export of fish,
shrimps, and fish products to other countries. Fishing is also the main occupation for
people living in the coastal areas of Sindh (excluding Karachi) and Balochistan. The
industry provides employment opportunities and supports the livelihoods of many families
living near water bodies.

2. Describe the main fishing areas in Pakistan.

There are two main fishing areas in Pakistan: marine fishing and inland fishing. Marine
fishing takes place along the coastline, which is divided into Sindh and Makran Coasts.
Sindh has 30% of the coastline, while the remaining portion lies in Makran. Karachi is the
main fishing center in Sindh, while Gwadar is the most important fishing port in Makran.
About 31.6% of the people employed in the fishing industry are involved in marine fishing.
Inland fishing occurs in rivers, lakes, reservoirs behind dams, and abandoned river or
irrigation channels. This method is practiced throughout the country and employs about
68.4% of the people in the fishing industry.

3. Differentiate between subsistence fishing and commercial fishing.

Subsistence fishing is when fishermen catch fish to feed themselves and their families. It is
a small-scale activity where small wooden boats and hand-made nets are used.
Fishermen usually stay close to the shore, within 5 to 10 kilometers, and may use ice
buckets to store their catch. Commercial fishing, on the other hand, involves catching fish
to sell in the market. It uses modern technology such as trawlers powered by engines,
sonar to locate fish, and refrigerators to store the catch. These trawlers can go deep into
the sea, sometimes up to 60 kilometers or more, and stay in touch with the harbor through
wireless communication.

4. What are fish farms, and how do they work?

Fish farms are artificial ponds designed for breeding fish. These ponds are rectangular and
have a concrete or cemented base to prevent water leakage. The sides are reinforced with
solidified mud. Trees are often planted around the ponds to provide oxygen, reduce water
evaporation, and keep the water cool. Major fish farming areas include Manchar Lake in
Dadu district, Kheenjar Lake in Thatta, and the Indus River at Thatta, Sukkur, and Kotri.

5. What are the benefits of developing fish farming?

Developing fish farming provides several benefits. It increases income for fishermen by
allowing them to catch and sell more fish. It also creates employment opportunities in fish
farming and related industries. The use of modern technology helps fishermen improve
their skills and efficiency. Fish farming positively impacts foreign exchange earnings by
increasing exports. It reduces the pressure on crop and livestock industries by offering an
alternative source of food and income. Fish is a healthy food choice because it is rich in
vitamin D and low in cholesterol. Additionally, developing fish farms leads to
improvements in infrastructure, including better roads, electricity, and communication
systems.

6. List and explain the main problems faced by the fishing industry in Pakistan.

The fishing industry in Pakistan faces several challenges. Pollution is a major problem,
particularly in the Karachi fish harbor, where oil spills and industrial waste harm the marine
environment. Overfishing by large trawlers during the breeding season reduces fish
populations and threatens the sustainability of the industry. The destruction of mangroves,
which are important breeding grounds for fish and shrimp, further worsens the situation.
Pakistan lacks the financial resources needed to modernize the fishing industry. Many
fishermen still use traditional methods, resulting in low productivity. Additionally, Pakistani
canned fish is banned in many countries due to concerns about quality and hygiene
standards.

7. What steps has the government taken to develop the fishing industry in
Balochistan?

The government has introduced various initiatives to improve the fishing industry in
Balochistan. An ice factory was established at Pasni in 1970 to help preserve fish. The
government also completed the Gwadar Fish Harbor project to support large-scale fishing
activities. Cold storage centers were created to store and process fish more effectively.
Fishermen were provided with loans to support boat-making businesses, allowing them to
upgrade their equipment. Technical education programs were introduced to train workers
for fishing-related industries. Efforts were also made to start fish canning operations in
Balochistan. Weather forecasts were provided through broadcasting services to improve
safety at sea. The government has also promoted new fishing methods to increase
productivity and sustainability.

8. Explain the concept of sustainable fisheries and the reasons for overfishing.

Sustainable fisheries involve developing fishing practices that meet the needs of the
current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
needs. This approach ensures that fish populations remain healthy and available for future
use. Overfishing occurs when too many fish are caught, reducing fish populations below
sustainable levels. The main reasons for overfishing include catching baby fish before they
mature, using illegal nets that trap too many fish, destroying mangroves that serve as
breeding grounds, and water pollution that harms fish habitats.

9. What steps can be taken to promote sustainable fishing in Pakistan?

To promote sustainable fishing in Pakistan, several steps can be taken. It is important to

ban the use of illegal nets that overexploit fish resources. Planting mangroves along the
coastline can help restore fish breeding grounds and protect marine ecosystems. Foreign
trawlers should be restricted from fishing in Pakistani waters to prevent overfishing by
external parties. Additionally, implementing strict regulations during fish breeding seasons
can help protect young fish and maintain healthy fish populations for future generations.