The effects of illegal, unregulated (IUU) fishing on Pakistan: An analysis of national and international law perspective

Abstract

This thesis aims to shed light on the issue of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing at the coastal regions of Pakistan, which is causing severe damage to the marine environment, threatening food security, and harming legitimate fishers. The IUU fishing activities have resulted in a degraded fish stock and pose significant challenges to the economy and state governance. Despite the gravity of the situation, existing laws in Pakistan are inadequate and do not conform to international standards. Moreover, the country lacks a National Action Plan to combat IUU fishing, which further exacerbates the problem. Therefore, this thesis reviews the existing laws and regulations related to IUU fishing in Pakistan and compares them with the best practices from around the world. The findings of this thesis will help policymakers and stakeholders to understand the gravity of the problem and take effective measures to combat IUU fishing in Pakistan.