ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Ports and Shipping has completed a comprehensive Fisheries Resources Appraisal Project for Pakistan (FRAPP) to chalk out a way forward for proper management of stainable fisheries practices.
As part of its measures adopted to improve production of seafood items in the country, the project was launched with technical assistance of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Official sources on Friday said all stakeholders including provincial government were being brought on-board for the purpose.
The other steps were making fully operational Regional Office and Testing Laboratory of Marine Fisheries Department for accreditation of Export at Karachi and establishment of such facilities at Peshawar and Gwadar.
The sources said regular interaction with stakeholders was being done for improvement of export marketing, infrastructure for fishermen, providing technical assistance and guidelines to stakeholders and up-gradation of fishing boats according to the international standard.
Meanwhile, a data issued by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics regarding seafood exports during last four years showed that the total quantity was 539,807 ton and its worth was 1321.89 million. The year-wise details of seafood exports showed that during year 2012-13, Pakistan exported 133,436 ton seafood and its worth was $304.43 million, during 2013-14, the quantity of seafood export was 144,947 ton with worth $354.86 and during 2014-15, the quantity of seafood export was 135,560 ton and worth was $ 344.71 million.
Similarly, the year 2015-16 witnessed seafood exports of 125,864 ton and its worth was $317.89 million.
