ISLAMABAD (March 18 2004): The awarding of licences for deep sea fishing is under process and matter will be sorted out soon paving the way for better prospects of the sector.

According to official sources tenders for awarding rest of the six licenses for Deep Sea Fishing Vessels had already been issued and now applications are under scrutiny process.

According to government policy 20 licenses have to be issued for Deep Sea Fishing in Zone-II which envisages area limits of 12 to 35 Nautical miles.

In the first phase 20 licenses were awarded to the applicants whereas six licenses could not be granted due to lack of necessary formalities.

Now applications have been invited from Pakistani Nationals for operation of Deep Sea fishing Vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Pakistan extending up to 200 Nautical Miles from the cast line, as per Deep Sea fishing Policy.

Medium sized trawlers ranging from 100 to 250 GRT would be allowed to exploit demersal and pelagic fish resources against 06 vacant slots in Zone-II (ie beyond 12 up to 35 Nautical Miles).

The stern trawlers ranging from 300 to 500 GRT and Tuna Long liners of 300 to I000 GRT would be allowed to exploit the demersal and pelagic fish resources, against 10 slots for each category, in Zone-III (ie beyond 35 up to 200 Nautical Miles).

The licenses would be valid for a period of two years from the date of issue, but would be renewed annually on payment of requisite fee and satisfactory performance.

Default in renewal of the license will result in its cancellation while the license fee would be the same for a year or any part thereof.

Licenses will be given to the pre-qualified firms on the recommendations of Inter Ministerial Scrutiny Committee. The licensee will have to pay Korangi Fisheries harbour Development Cess Fund.

According to policy decision one company will be allowed only one vessel whereas the firms already issued licenses and operating their vessels are not eligible to apply and installation of VMS on board the vessel is mandatory.

Courtesy Business Recorder