Pakistan Seafood Exports Decline

Pakistan’s seafood exports declined by 11% in 2009-10 to 113,219t from 127,393t, according to the government.

The Federal Bureau of Statistics said the value of seafood exports fell by 2.74% to $227.28m from $233.69m.

Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association chairman Faisal Iftikhar said fish stocks in the country were declining by 15% every year.

The fish industry would come to a halt within the next five years if this continues, Iftikhar warned.

Pakistan’s seafood export to EU member countries was nearly $50m in 2006, according to thenews.com.

In 2007, the European Union banned Pakistan seafood imports after it found deficiencies at harbours and processing units.