Karachi’s Dying Seas: Fishermen Face Empty Nets as Marine Life Collapses
By TV84.pk News Desk | September 23, 2025
KARACHI – Along Karachi’s shoreline, once-teeming waters now yield empty nets, signaling a catastrophic decline in marine life that threatens coastal communities and Pakistan’s ecosystems. Fishermen report silent seas, with villages that once thrived on daily catches now struggling to afford fish. Experts warn of a collapse driven by pollution, overfishing, and climate change, urging immediate action to save the oceans.
A Devastated Ecosystem
“Destruction of marine habitats and overfishing by bottom trawlers are causing marine life to decline,” said Songul Jamal, Founder and CEO of Marine Conservation Pakistan. She highlighted the staggering 980 million gallons of unfiltered sewage, medical, and industrial waste dumped daily from Lyari alone. “The seawater is black now—that means the ocean is dead,” Jamal told TV84.pk, noting that even mangroves, vital fish habitats, are dying.
Prof. Dr. Noor Khan of Punjab University’s Institute of Zoology listed key culprits: “Overfishing, illegal fishing gear, water pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and poor enforcement of regulations.” Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Dean of Fisheries and Wildlife at UVAS Lahore, added, “Indiscriminate fishing, pollution, invasive species, and climate change destroy breeding grounds, disrupting the balance of fish populations.”
Bottom Trawling and Pollution
Bottom trawling, a destructive fishing practice, drew sharp criticism. “Their metal boards grind against the ocean floor, crushing corals—vital marine habitats,” said Shabib Asghar, Director of Marine Conservation Pakistan. The practice’s large nets cause massive bycatch, killing non-target species. Pollution exacerbates the crisis, with Karachi’s Lyari, Malir, and DHA nalas pouring ammonia-heavy sewage into the sea, triggering algal blooms that suffocate marine life by blocking sunlight and depleting oxygen.
Jamal noted a dramatic rise in algae blooms, reaching six meters deep in 2023 compared to two in 2020. “Ghost nets” abandoned at sea continue trapping marine life for centuries, while climate-driven rising sea temperatures and reduced freshwater flows disrupt breeding cycles and increase ocean acidity, Asghar explained.
Species and Communities at Risk
“All species, including microorganisms, flora, and shells, are mass washing out,” Jamal warned. Dr. Khan identified Mahseer, Indian Shad, Hilsa, Pomfret, Groupers, and Snappers as critically endangered, while Dr. Ashraf predicted only hardy species like common carp and Bagarius might survive. Coral reefs, supporting 25% of marine life, are collapsing, driving fish to migrate or die.
Fishing communities feel the pinch acutely. “If one house fries a fish, the whole village talks about it,” Jamal said, underscoring the scarcity. Dr. Khan emphasized the economic toll: “Small fish are caught before they can reproduce, reducing biodiversity and livelihoods.” Dr. Ashraf warned of an ecosystem imbalance, with pollution slashing fish health and food production.
Weak Laws, Ignored Voices
Experts slammed lax regulation. “Pakistan is using 120% of its ocean with 0% preservation,” Jamal said, dismissing the Flora and Fauna Act as “just words on paper.” Dr. Khan cited weak enforcement of the Fisheries Acts and Environmental Protection Acts, while Dr. Ashraf called the fisheries ordinance toothless. Asghar criticized policymaking that excludes fishermen: “Ignoring their voices makes conservation harder.”
Paths to Recovery
Hope lies in action. Jamal advocated for awareness, free marine rehabilitation courses for divers, and community empowerment. Dr. Khan called for seasonal fishing bans, pollution reduction, habitat restoration, and public campaigns. Dr. Ashraf stressed strict law enforcement to maintain ecosystem balance. Asghar highlighted coral restoration as a key to reviving fish populations.
