A baseline survey of commercial fisheries causing marine plastics pollution in Balochistan, Pakistan | |
| Author | Ahmed, Iftikhar |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.MPA-21-48 |
| Subject(s) | Marine pollution--Pakistan--Balochistan Plastic marine debrisEnvironmental aspects--Pakistan--Balochistan Wastewater--Treatment |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Marine Plastics Abatement |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study offers a better understanding of how the commercial fisheries in Balochistan is causing marine plastics pollution by Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG). Out of 10879 registered commercial fisheries vessels, the data of 415 fishing boats from different fish landing stations was obtained through a random sampling technique. In the overall findings of this survey, the estimated seasonal loss of fishing gear in a typical year during winter is, 80-90% while only 10-20% loss occurs in the summer season. The occurrence of ghost nets is considered a serious problem by fishermen (91%) while (55%) considered the trend related to lost fishing gear a very serious problem. The impacts of ghost nets on fisheries and/or biodiversity is considered a growing problem (50%) and serious problem (36%) while (12%) thought it is a no noticeable trend in Balochistan. The fishers (55%) in Balochistan, observed gillnets and similar nets lost at sea, while (17%) of them observed surrounding nets and lift nets and another (15%) noted Seins and (13%) longlines and hooks. Apart from that 77% of fishermen observed areas of ghost net accumulation at sea. Around 82% of fishermen considered the occurrence of marine litter as a serious problem while only (12%) were of the view that it is a moderate problem only (6%) said that it is an insignificant problem. The trend related to marine litter is considered a growing problem (78%), while (18%) consider it a no noticeable trend, and only (4%) of fishermen said it is a diminishing problem. Fishermen (43%) often and (30%) almost every time have experienced problems with marine debris caught in their hauls/nets. The identified plastic items (identifiable) (70%) followed by fishing nets (58%) and, both the plastic bottles and plastic bags (42%) caught in fishing hauls/nets almost every time while fishing line and synthetic ropes contributed (73%) and (68%) respectively. Commercial vessels (98%) do not have the trash bin facility on board and more than (98%) of fishers do not sort litter while (99%) of the crew discard the litter at sea. According to fishers (99.75%) Seaports in Balochistan, do not have waste collection infrastructure while 99% of the fishermen always report the lost fishing gear to the owner and (51%) always attempts to retrieve it, followed by (18%) rarely try to retrieve it while (16%) never attempt to retrieve and (14%) sometimes try to recover it. Environmental factors such as strong currents and poor weather conditions were major causes for gear loss while it was also apparent that the state of the gear and its failure, and operator error can also play a significant role in losing gear. Unfortunately, vandalism and conflict with other fishing gear were also frequently reported to cause gear loss at sea. More than 97% of fishers were not aware of any laws or regulations related to lose or disposal of fishing gear. |
| Year | 2021 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Marine Plastic Abatement (MPA) |
| Chairperson(s) | Xue, Wenchao |
| Examination Committee(s) | Atitaya Panuvatvanich; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Japan |
| Degree | Research studies project report (M.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2021 |