Reconstruction of Pakistan's Marine Fisheries Catches

The fishing sector is a crucial food security provider in coastal areas but a minor sector overall.

To date it has received little attention or prioritization and many local communities that live near the coastline are among the poorest and most food insecure.

This study reconstructed a plausible history of the total catch of Pakistana's marine fisheries accounting for deficiencies in the available statistical data for 1950-2010.

It found that total extractions were over 38 million tonnes which is 2.6 times the official data reported by FAO on behalf of Pakistan.

Instances of illegal fishing high amounts of discarding and by-catch along with discrepancies in the statistical data collection system all contributed to this mismatch.

This study illustrates the need for improved estimating and reporting of catches for all fisheries sectors and greater consideration of small-scale (artisanal and subsistence) sector which is crucial for providing food security and employment to the fast growing population of Pakistan.