Illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing is both a national and international concern.

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a global problem that undermines the sustainability of marine ecosystems and threatens the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fish for food and income. Here are some ways that Pakistan can cater to IUU fishing:

1. Implement and enforce legislation - Pakistan can develop and implement legal frameworks, such as fisheries regulations and marine protected areas, and improve enforcement mechanisms to deter IUU fishing. This could involve improving the monitoring and reporting of fishing activities, increasing the penalties for illegal fishing, and ensuring adequate resources for law enforcement.

2. Promote sustainable fishing practices - Promoting sustainable fishing practices, such as catch quotas, gear regulations, and closed fishing seasons, can help to reduce the pressure on fish stocks and deter IUU fishing. Raising public awareness around the importance of sustainable fishing practices can play a vital role in achieving this goal.

3. Improve international cooperation - IUU fishing is a transnational problem that requires international collaboration to achieve sustainable solutions. Pakistan can work together with other countries in the region, regional bodies such as the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, and international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to develop and implement regional and international agreements and measures to combat IUU fishing.

4. Address underlying drivers - Addressing the underlying drivers of IUU fishing, such as poverty, economic insecurity, and lack of opportunities, can help to reduce the demand for illegal fishing activities. This can involve improving the livelihoods of coastal communities, supporting alternative livelihoods, and engaging in poverty reduction programs.

Overall, addressing IUU fishing in Pakistan will require a multi-faceted approach that involves a combination of legal, economic, and social measures. Combining these measures can help to achieve sustainable fisheries management, conserve marine ecosystems, and promote the well-being of coastal communities. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a global issue that is detrimental to the marine ecosystem and marine life. Pakistan is no exception, and IUU fishing remains a significant problem contributing to the decline of fish stocks and marine biodiversity. Several legal aspects must be taken into account to address IUU fishing in Pakistan.

International Conventions:

Pakistan is a signatory to several international agreements that regulate sustainable fisheries, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas (the Compliance Agreement), the Port State Measures Agreement, and the International Plan of Action to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing. These international conventions contain provisions that require states to prevent and combat IUU fishing within their jurisdiction and control. Implementing these conventions requires Pakistan to adopt and enforce laws that regulate fishing activities, including the penalties for IUU fishing practices.

National and Provincial Legislation:

National legislation is the primary tool that Pakistan uses to regulate its fisheries and combat IUU fishing practices. The Fisheries Act of 1897 is the central legislation that governs fisheries in Pakistan. The Act contains provisions regarding the issuing of fishing licenses, the protection of fish stocks, and the prevention of IUU fishing practices. However, the Fisheries Act is outdated and does not provide sufficient provisions to address IUU fishing practices in Pakistan's waters. Therefore, it is necessary for Pakistan to update its laws to be in line with international conventions and modern-day fisheries management practices. Balochistan?Sea?Fisheries?Ordinance 1971, the Punjab Fisheries Ordinance 1961, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2022 and Sindh Fisheries Ordinance, 1980 with amendments.

Enforcement and Monitoring:

Effective enforcement and monitoring mechanisms are key to preventing and combating IUU fishing practices. Initiatives such as satellite monitoring of fishing vessels, vessel monitoring systems, and onboard observers can help monitor and prevent IUU fishing activities. More Inspection and surveillance teams must be deployed to monitor fishing activities in Pakistan's waters. The use of modern technologies can aid in the identification of unauthorized fishing activities in real time. This will help to deter IUU fishing practices and prevent further damage to fish stocks.

Penalties:

To discourage IUU fishing practices, Pakistan must impose punitive measures such as hefty fines, vessel confiscation, and license suspensions to deter violators. The existing laws must be amended to provide for the necessary penalties, and those found guilty of IUU practices must be held accountable and subjected to these penalties.

International Cooperation:

IUU fishing is a transboundary issue, so effective measures require international cooperation. Pakistan can partner with international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) to promote sustainable fisheries and prevent IUU fishing practices. It can also promote regional cooperation through joint fisheries management arrangements.

Conclusion:

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a serious issue that must be addressed through effective legal frameworks in Pakistan. The implementation of international conventions, national legislation, enforcement and monitoring mechanisms, and penalties against IUU fishing activities can help in reducing IUU fishing practices. International cooperation is also necessary to address IUU fishing practices, which often pose a transboundary problem. Therefore, Pakistan must improve its measures to combat IUU fishing practices to promote sustainable fishing through proper regulations. It ultimately benefits the stability of the country's marine resources and its people.