Deep Sea Fishing Licence Policy 2018.

This Policy is developed to regulate the operation of the local fleet presently operating beyond 12 NM through licensing mechanism by the Federal Government, eliminate unregulated fishing beyond 12 NM and conserve fish stock.
There are three fishing zones in the EEZ of Pakistan: a. Zone I: From internal waters and area from baseline to 12 NM is jurisdiction of Provincial Governments (Sindh and Balochistan). b. Zone-II: From 12 to 20 NM under the jurisdiction of Federal Government (buffer zone created by the Federal Government to facilitate local fishermen) c. Zone-III: From 20 to 200 NM under the jurisdiction of Federal Government. The Deep Sea Fishing Licensing Policy encompasses judicious exploitation of fishery resources by local individuals/companies/ partnerships as well as joint ventures with foreign companies. No license shall be granted to any foreign individual/entity.
The Policy highlights the specifications/categories, terms and conditions for issuing' licenses for deep-sea fishing in Zone-III. Licenses will be given to the pre-qualified firms on the recommendation of an Inter-Ministerial Scrutiny Committee. All Deep Sea Fishing Vessels shall have "Satellite-based Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)" installed onboard conforming to Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) specifications. The operations of fishing vessels will be monitored by PMSA. The total value of the sale proceeds of the fish exported by Pakistani firm shall be repatriated to Pakistan in foreign exchange. All vessels allowed to operate in Zone-III shall have minimum twenty five (25) percent crew of Pakistani origin.