Deep Sea Fishing Policy.

This new marine fisheries policy aims at the enhancement of activities of small-scale fishermen. The policy has two components: one relative to small-scale fishing in a zone stretching from 12 to 35 nautical miles, presumably measured from the "coast line" (Zone I), and one for industrial fishing in Zone II, which stretches from 35 to 200 nautical miles measures from the coast line. Small-scale fishing is declared "the backbone of the fishing industry", and for this reason a special fund is established by the Agriculture Development of Pakistan (ADBP) to meet development needs of small fishing activities. A Fish Inspection and Quality Control Program shall be established along with various other development measures. The second part of this paper is dedicated to industrial fishing efforts and outlines criteria for the operation of tuna longliners and trawlers and for fishing vessels in general in the EEZ beyond 35 nautical miles. The last part of this document spells out procedures for the submission of applications for the grant of industrial fishing licences and pre-qualification criteria for shortlisting of parties applying for licences.