Directorate General of Fisheries Sindh

DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF

FISHERIES SINDH MARINE & COASTAL FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT KARACHI

Introduction

The Directorate General Fisheries (Marine & Coastal Development), Sindh, Karachi, functions under the Livestock and Fisheries Department, Government of Sindh, and is responsible for the conservation, management, regulation, and sustainable development of marine and coastal fisheries resources within the provincial territorial waters of Sindh. The Directorate implements the provisions of the Sindh Fisheries Ordinance, 1980 and Sindh Fisheries Rules, 1983 to promote sustainable fisheries management, protect marine ecosystems, and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Sindh has approximately 350 km of coastline along the Arabian Sea and nearly 300,000 hectares of deltaic area with immense potential for marine fisheries, mariculture, and coastal aquaculture. The Directorate is committed to strengthening the fisheries sector through effective governance, scientific resource management, conservation, and promotion of the Blue Economy while addressing emerging challenges such as climate change, sea intrusion, and habitat degradation.

Functions

The Directorate General Fisheries (Marine & Coastal Development), Sindh, performs the following key functions:

Conservation, management, and sustainable development of marine and coastal fisheries resources.

Enforcement of the Sindh Fisheries Ordinance, 1980 and Sindh Fisheries Rules, 1983.

Registration and licensing of fishing vessels, fish processing plants, fish meal factories, fish dealers, and recreational anglers.

Fisheries monitoring, surveillance, and control of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Promotion of mariculture and coastal aquaculture, including shrimp, crab, oyster, mussel, and pearl culture.

Formulation and implementation of fisheries policies, development projects, and Blue Economy initiatives.

Conservation of marine biodiversity, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems.

Coordination with provincial, federal, national, and international organizations on fisheries development and marine conservation.

Promotion of research, innovation, capacity building, and climate-resilient fisheries management.

Facilitation of investment, value addition, and sustainable growth of the marine fisheries sector.

Divisions

Confiscated Ban Nets

The Sindh Fisheries Department conducts enforcement operations against illegal Bullo, Gujo, and Katra nets, as these destructive fishing nets capture juvenile fish and pose a serious threat to the sustainability of fish stocks. Such illegal nets are confiscated at fisheries check posts and during field operations. In compliance with the orders of the Honorable Court, the confiscated nets are subsequently destroyed by burning to prevent their reuse and to ensure effective enforcement of fisheries laws.

Surveillance and Monitoring

SFD teams conducting surveillance and monitoring activities to ensure compliance with fisheries regulations and promote the conservation of marine resources.

Registration and License

Issuance of computerized registration cards and barcode-enabled licenses to fishermen and fishing vessels for improved identification, traceability, and fisheries management.

Floating Fishing Jetties

Darya Peer

Kharo Chan

Keti Bandar

Jhoor Malok Shah

Sholangi Goth

Karachi Fish Harbor

Shams Pir

Pir Jani Shah

Haji Muhammad Jat

Kodario Village

Abdul Rehman Thamor

Ghungro Kar

Jati Tar

Kalka Chani

Chabuti

Nareeri Dhand

Floating jetties have been installed at various locations across Sindh, including Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, and Karachi, to facilitate pre-trip loading and the safe landing of fish catches for small and medium-sized fishing boats.

Subsidy for Fuel for Fishermen

The Sindh Fisheries Department provides fuel subsidies to registered fishermen owning licensed fishing boats in Sindh to reduce operational costs and support their livelihoods. This initiative aims to improve the economic well-being of the fishing community, promote sustainable fishing activities, and enhance productivity by enabling fishermen to undertake fishing operations more efficiently.

Government of Sindh announced amounting to Rs. 515 million in term of fuel subsidy to 2819 registered boats (C-category= 2331, D-category 488) .

Awareness

The Sindh Fisheries Department organizes awareness programs from time to time to educate fishermen about sustainable fishing practices, fisheries laws, marine conservation, and safety at sea.