National Policy and Strategy For Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Pakistan.

This document lays down a national policy with a sectoral approach, specifically focused on the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The overall objective of the policy is to increase the contribution of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors to: a) national economic growth; b) poverty reduction; c) food security; d) national fish supply; e) improvement of the marketing of fish and aquatic products.
The policy lays down guiding principles to make fisheries and aquaculture more productive and sustainable. Inland aquaculture production and aquaculture in coastal areas will be strengthened and developed for the sustainable development of aquaculture production. High potential zones for inland and coastal aquaculture will be developed. Further measures concern the culture of shrimp, finfish and mud crab in coastal areas; sustainable increase in marine and inland capture fisheries production; control over exploitation of marine and inland fisheries resources; sport fishing activities in coastal waters and inland water bodies will be promoted. Priority will be given to environmental conservation and measures will be adopted to prevent damage to aquatic biodiversity by pollution and environmental degradation. Strong partnerships and process to ensure adequate and sustainable water flows will be established. Balanced water regimes will be re-established. An integrated coastal area management programme will be implemented.
As mentioned, one of the aims of the policy is to contribute to alleviation of poverty. Special regard is thus given to rural areas.
The policy also aims at enabling ore inclusive and efficient agricultural systems. In this context, the participation of all groups and stakeholders including women in decision-making process will be ensured. Human resources and skills will be developed by providing training programmes and improving extension services for the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Current fisheries institutions will be strengthened. Producers’ organizations will be supported as well. The existing contract system for the exploitation of fresh water bodies will be reformed. The role of communities in fisheries management in the coastal and inland areas will be recognized and promoted. The handling and preservation of fish and aquatic products will be improved. Transportation and commercialization of aquatic products will be improved. Measures will be taken to enable dissemination of market and product information, and strong partnerships will be established to attract private investment. Research and development regarding fisheries and aquaculture will be enhanced. The reliability of statistical data will be increased country-wide. Priority will be given to monitoring social, economic, marketing and institutional issues.
The Government is responsible for the establishment of necessary institutions for the implementation of the Policy. The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock is responsible for ensuring collaboration among ministries.