Gwadar district chairman urges action against illegal trawling, relief for fishermen

GWADAR: District Chairman Gwadar Shey Mukhtar Ahmed visited the Fisheries Office in Gwadar, where he met Director Fisheries Ahmed Nadeem. Assistant Director Fisheries Shah Fahad was also present.

The meeting held a detailed discussion on the development of the fisheries sector in Gwadar district, the problems facing local fishermen, illegal trawling, the activities of the gaja mafia and the protection of marine resources.

The district chairman said that, under the present government’s policy, protecting marine resources, defending the legal rights of local fishermen and safeguarding the economic interests of the coastal population were among the top priorities. He urged the officials concerned to make action in accordance with the law, without discrimination, more effective against those involved in illegal trawling and illegal fishing, so that marine life and the livelihoods of fishermen could be protected.

The meeting also reviewed the damage to fishermen’s boats and other losses caused by the recent storm. The district chairman directed the officials concerned to assess the losses transparently and to prepare their recommendations soon, so that the affected fishermen could receive timely aid and relief under government policy and their families could return to their livelihoods.

It was also agreed to improve the fisheries sector in Gwadar district, to promote sustainable development of the coastal areas, to work for the welfare of fishermen and to strengthen effective coordination between the departments concerned.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan