Pakistan’s Fishery and Fishing Industry plays a significant part in the national economy. With a coastline of about 814 km and inland water bodies’ cumulative area of 8 million hectares, Pakistani seafood has a promising export potential, estimated at more than one million tonnes per year from the marine subsector alone. The commercially important resources include near 250 demersal fish species, 50 small pelagic fish species, 15 medium-sized pelagic species and 20 large pelagic fish species. In addition, there are also 15 commercial species of shrimp, 12 of cephalopods and 5 of lobster. Pakistan has two fishing seasons: the August to November season for catching shrimp, and October to June season for catching Fish. Marine fisheries account for about 60 percent of the total production, including both fish and shrimps. Shrimps account for only 15 percent of the production, but they are of much significance mainly due to their value and demand in foreign markets.
Pakistan’s fish and fish preparation exports went up by 20 percent in quantity and 21.35 percent in value during 2016 to 2017 due to price increase in world markets and higher landing of the catch. The average per tonne price of fish rose to $2,616 in 2016 to 2017 from $2,539 in 2015 to 2016. Data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) shows that fish exports reached $394 million (152,858 tonnes) in 2016 to 2017 as compared to $325m (127,910 tonnes) in 2015 to 2016. With the facility for exporting frozen seafood to China via land route, put in place since April 2017, coupled with quality certification, the growth trend is set to continue.