Legal standards for protection of fisheries endangered by exploration and expolitation of oil and gas.

Abstract

Offshore exploration and exploitation of oil and gas through seismic surveys and drilling cause damage to fisheries. Fisheries are considered as backbone of a country’s economy. Due to seismic surveys fisheries are mitigating and died which is alarming situation for Pakistan. The impacts on marine eco system are increased water turbidity, discharged oil polluters water, Ecosystem destruction, forced fish migration, fish habitat loss, fish respiratory problems, loss of spawning, molting and nesting of fish, Change in biodiversity. Developed Countries like Canada, USA, UK, Norway had made regulations like BOEM regulatory agency of USA is the best example for protection of fisheries, In United States of America, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) took first step in advancing seismic surveys, which allows companies after ensuring that marine mammal protection Act is not violating at national level. Pakistan is declared by UNCLOS 1982, as a costal state and in future it has decided to conduct more than 35 operations for exploration and exploitation of oil and gas reservoirs. Recently, Pakistan has conducted (Kekra) project in Exclusive Economic Zone. Unfortunately, this project was not completed due to certain circumstances. Therefore, we need special legislation to counter seismic impacts which are dangerous for marine life.