Baloch fishermen prioritize long-term ocean health over short-term profit
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Fishermen along Pakistan’s Balochistan coast are resisting a shift towards catching Beechum, a small sardine, despite economic pressures.
For generations, these communities have understood the importance of preserving the entire marine ecosystem, recognizing that removing even small fish like Beechum disrupts the food chain and threatens larger, more valuable species. Traditionally, fishermen used slower wooden boats, allowing them to be selective in their catch and avoid depleting fish stocks.
However, the introduction of faster speedboats, fueled by cross-border diesel trade, has incentivized prioritizing quick profits over sustainable practices. Fishermen are now increasingly reliant on selling Beechum to meet demand from China and Malaysia, even though it was previously left in the sea. This has led to a decline in overall catches and increased financial hardship, with many fishermen now borrowing gear and selling their catch back to processors under unfavorable terms.
Balochistan’s 730-kilometer coastline supports the livelihoods of over seventy percent of the province’s coastal population, but official assessments show most marine resources are fully or overexploited. While the government has banned the use of very fine nets that trap even the smallest fish, enforcement is uneven and many fishermen advocate for broader conservation measures like artificial reefs and marine-friendly fishing gear.
They argue that a consistent ban across the entire coast, coupled with support for sustainable practices, is the best way to protect the sea for future generations.
