Seminar on
World Fisheries Day 2019 at Baba Island (Karachi)
Theme: “The Tales of the Fishermen”
Karachi, December 3rd: National Centre for Maritime Policy Research (NCMPR) the Karachi segment of National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Islamabad organized a Seminar to mark the celebrations of World Fisheries Day 2019. The event was held on the 3rd of December 2019, at Baba Island Karachi. The event was distinguish in a sense that it was the first time ever being held at the door-step of the fishermen’s community not only to facilitate their maximum participation but also to acknowledge their services provided in this important sector of the national economy. Mr. Abdul Bari Pitafi Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Sindh graced the event as the Chief Guest. The theme selected by NIMA/NCMPR for this year’s celebration was “The Tales of the Fishermen”.
NIMA/NCMPR also acknowledged the fishermen for their services and work in the fisheries sector. The selected distinguished fishermen were awarded with certificate of recognition for their remarkable input and support for this segment of the blue economy. Some eminent women who have excelled in education and are role models to the young generation were also presented shields to acknowledge their contribution to being a source of motivation for the girls in the fishermen community.
As the world Fisheries Day Seminar for the first time was being conducted at the Baba Island, special arrangements were made to take all the relevant stakeholders from concerned departments were taken to the island to see and observe the issues faced by the fishermen communities living there for developing a better understanding of the on ground situation. Through the seminar the work and means of the traditional fishermen were highlighted through their experiences and life stories. A tableau was also presented by the Island children on the theme “Our Oceans, Our Future”.
Director National Centre for Maritime Policy Research, Commodore (Retd) Ali Abbas SI (M) emphasized the importance of the Fisheries Sector and its sustainable development. He further said that fisheries have secured a vital standing in our daily life and serve as a substantial part of our food chain. The Chief Guest Mr. Abdul Bari Pitafi in his address said that the Fisheries sector plays a significant role in creating employment opportunities and prosperity of life through exploring and exploiting the sea in an ecologically balanced manner. He said the theme of the day provides us an opportunity to identify and promote the fishermen who have contributed several decades of their lives in this industry. He further assured that the Government of Sindh will take all possible measures to address issues of the fishermen community. The Chief Guest appreciated efforts of NIMA and NCMPR for organizing the seminar and providing a platform to discuss the life and experiences of fishermen in Pakistan. Apart from the local fishermen, the event was attended by various prominent dignitaries from the maritime sector, serving and retired naval officers, government officials, intellectuals, researchers and students.
