Behram Baloch:
The fisheries department of Balochistan seized 9 illegal trawlers engaged in illegal fishing in Gwadar on Friday evening. Maritime security and coast guard extended full support to the fisheries department to seize illegal trawlers, a well-placed official in the Balochistan government said.
The action against illegal trawlers and fishing was taken on the instructions of the Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Quddus Bizenjo, he said. Six illegal trawlers were seized by the fisheries department and three were seized with the support of maritime security and the coast guard.
GRM protest enters 37th day
This action on behalf of the fisheries department has come after the Gwadar Rights Movement (GRM) intensified its protest against illegal fishing in the country’s port city. The GRM protest entered its 37th day on Friday.
The Balochistan government has shared the details of 147 illegal trawlers with the Sindh government and asked the former to take action against them. The fisheries department is committed to bringing an end to illegal fishing and ensuring the protection of the rights of the local fishermen of Gwadar, the official mentioned. He requested anonymity since he was not authorized to speak to the media.
160 trawlers put on the red list
This is for the first time that the fisheries department has seized illegal trawlers in such a large number, the official stated. So far, the fisheries department has put 160 trawlers on the red list, he concluded.
Illegal trawling from the country’s Sindh province has deprived fishermen of their daily bread. Locals of the area are critical of the illegal trawler mafia and have been demanding action against the elements involved in this illegal business.
Mounting pressure on the part of the GRM has forced the fisheries department to take stern action against the elements involved in illegal fishing in the Arabian sea.
