Govt Bans Fine Nets in Coastal Waters

The Sindh government has officially prohibited the use of all types of fine fishing nets, citing their harmful impact on marine life and rapidly declining fish stocks. In a formal communication, the Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority notified all concerned parties—including fishing associations and trawler owners—about the enforcement of the ban.

According to sources, the restriction is aimed at protecting fish populations within Sindh’s territorial waters, where overfishing using fine nets has led to significant ecological damage. However, fishermen’s representative Abdul Majeed Motani told The Express Tribune that while similar bans have been announced in the past, enforcement has always been lacking.

He stressed the urgent need to implement the ban effectively, warning that continued use of fine nets could lead to the extinction of 35 species, including shrimp. These species reproduce in the mangrove root ecosystems, which are being destroyed by indiscriminate netting practices.

The ban has been legally reinforced through amendments to the Sindh Fisheries Ordinance, 1980. Under the revised Rule 25-A (2), the use of encircling nets, purse seine nets (locally called wire net or ring net), and bottom trawls (Gujja, Gujjo, or Gujji) is prohibited in creek areas and up to 12 nautical miles from the Sindh coastline.

Further, Rule 25-A (3) clarifies that fishing licenses do not authorize the use of such prohibited nets within these zones. Instead, licensed fishers must use gillnets with a minimum mesh size of 120mm, and shrimp nets with mesh sizes no smaller than 60mm, only beyond the 12-nautical-mile limit.

Additionally, set bag nets (Bulla or Bullo) and seine nets (Katra) are banned in creeks and estuarine waters. The new rules also emphasize that existing fishing gear must not be disrupted.

These measures represent a significant step toward sustainable fishing practices, but stakeholders emphasize that success depends entirely on consistent and effective enforcement.