GWADAR: Large-scale illegal trawling has been ongoing for the past three days in the coastal waters of Ormara, a tehsil of Gwadar, Balochistan, sparking serious concern among local fishermen and environmental experts.
Local fishermen and social activists have released several videos showing large trawlers operating openly in broad daylight, indiscriminately harvesting and destroying valuable marine life.
According to fishermen, despite an existing ban on trawling, these large vessels continue their activities without fear, while no action has been taken by relevant authorities or the fisheries department. Fishermen have questioned whether the protection of marine resources is limited to paper claims? and whether influential elements are shielding those involved rendering law enforcement agencies ineffective?
Social activists have also confirmed the situation and called on the Government of Balochistan and the Fisheries Department to take immediate and strict action. Local fishermen in Ormara, who depend on small boats for their livelihood, say they are facing severe economic hardship due to illegal trawling. They explain that large trawlers cast nets deep into the seabed, destroying all forms of marine life, making it nearly impossible for small-scale fishermen to catch fish.
In addition to threatening livelihoods, the practice is also pushing the marine ecosystem toward collapse.
Experts warn that if the situation continues, several marine species could face extinction, thousands of families may lose their source of income, and the fishing industry along Balochistan’s coast could fall into a deep crisis.
Residents say that despite three days of ongoing violations, not a single trawler has been stopped nor any enforcement action reported, raising serious questions about the government’s response.
