• NIMA and WWF distributed fishing map to fishermen.
• The maps are specifically designed to identify ghost nets.
• The map will also help in preserving marine ecosystem.

KARACHI: Pakistan National Hydrographic Office in coordination with Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) and WWF-Pakistan distributed indigenously developed fishing map to local fishermen at Karachi during a ceremony held at Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC).

The maps are specifically designed to identify ghost nets to support safe conduct of fishing activities by local fishermen and preservation of fish in our seas. A ghost net is fishing net that has been lost or abandoned in the ocean and can pose a significant threat to marine life and vessels of fishermen.

The indigenously developed fishing map can easily be viewed on open source Android and IOS based navigation applications. Copies of fishing map and mobile application along with its easily understandable installation procedure have been made available to local fishermen community through JMICC free of charge.

This initiative is part of the Office of Hydrographer of Pakistan and Pakistan Navy’s ongoing efforts to support Pakistan’s fishing community and preservation of Pakistan’s marine environment.

The fishing map includes vital information such as the precise positions of ghost nets and unsafe fishing areas. This will assist fishermen in making safe maneuvers at sea. Provision of crucial information about the location of ghost nets will enable fishermen to avoid areas unsuitable for fishing activity and reduce the risk of breakdowns of boats at sea.

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The map will also help in preserving marine ecosystem by preventing further damage to fish livestock/ species at sea from ghost nets.