Karachi, Pakistan National Hydrographic Office in coordination with
Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) and WWF-Pakistan distributed indigenously
developed fishing map to local fishermen at Karachi during a ceremony held at Joint
Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC). The maps are specifically designed
to identify ghost nets to support safe conduct of fishing activities by local fishermen and
preservation of fish in our seas. A ghost net is fishing net that has been lost or
abandoned in the ocean and can pose a significant threat to marine life and vessels of
fishermen.
The indigenously developed fishing map can easily be viewed on open source Android
and IOS based navigation applications. Copies of fishing map and mobile application
along with its easily understandable installation procedure have been made available to
local fishermen community through JMICC free of charge. This initiative is part of the
Office of Hydrographer of Pakistan and Pakistan Navy’s ongoing efforts to support
Pakistan’s fishing community and preservation of Pakistan’s marine environment.
The fishing map includes vital information such as the precise positions of ghost nets
and unsafe fishing areas. This will assist fishermen in making safe maneuvers at sea.
Provision of crucial information about the location of ghost nets will enable fishermen to
avoid areas unsuitable for fishing activity and reduce the risk of breakdowns of boats at
sea. The map will also help in preserving marine ecosystem by preventing further
damage to fish livestock/ species at sea from ghost nets.
