Pakistan

Pakistan is one of many countries in the east wishing to improve its commercial fishing industry. Pilar Santamaria reports - Pakistans rich fishery resources are not reflected in the export earnings from the fishery sector which has remained stagnant around US$ 150 million during last decade. Pakistans export stood at US$ 171 million in 1997/98 whereas a rough estimate based on maximum sustainable yield figures set the total export potential to around 1 billion US$ from existing natural resources. In addition, a brief analysis of Pakistans export in fisheries products reveals over dependence on few species with little value addition. The dependence on a limited number of species causes an imbalance resulting in over exploitation of few and under exploitation of other species. This imbalance is also reflected in fishing grounds with over 99% of landed catch being generated from continental shelf while EEZ contributing less than 1%.