By Dr Nazia Sher
The future of fisheries will not be determined simply by the abundance of fish beneath the waves. It will depend on whether nations can manage marine resources with wisdom, scientific understanding and collective responsibility. The oceans, once viewed as limitless sources of food and income, are now facing increasing pressure from overfishing, climate change, illegal fishing activities and growing global demand for seafood. In this changing environment, Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) have emerged as essential platforms where countries must work together to protect shared marine resources while ensuring economic opportunities for coastal communities.
For Pakistan, engagement with these international fisheries institutions is more than a matter of fulfilling global commitments. It represents an opportunity to strengthen national fisheries governance, improve seafood exports and secure a meaningful role in the expanding Indian Ocean Blue Economy. A country with a long coastline, strategically located ports and a fishing community with generations of maritime experience has enormous potential. Yet, potential alone cannot create prosperity. It requires strong institutions, reliable scientific information and policies that balance economic needs with environmental protection.
RFMOs are intergovernmental organizations created by countries that share an interest in particular ocean regions and fisheries resources. Their purpose is to ensure that shared, highly migratory and straddling fish stocks are managed sustainably. These organizations bring together scientists, policymakers and fisheries experts to assess the health of marine resources, establish conservation measures, monitor fishing practices and address challenges such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
In many ways, RFMOs represent the new reality of ocean governance. No country can independently manage species that move across international waters. Fish do not recognize political borders, and their survival depends on cooperation among nations. The decisions taken within these organizations are increasingly shaped by scientific evidence. Countries that provide accurate fisheries data and invest in research are better placed to influence discussions and protect their interests.
RFMOs generally operate in two broad categories. Some manage multiple fish species within specific geographical areas, while others focus on particular migratory species, especially tuna and tuna-like fish. Tuna management organizations, including the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), play a crucial role in protecting valuable fisheries that support economies across coastal regions. These institutions are not merely regulatory bodies; they are arenas where science, diplomacy and economic interests meet.
For Pakistan, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission remains the most significant fisheries management organization. As a member of the IOTC, Pakistan participates in scientific assessments, conservation discussions and regional decision-making processes concerning tuna and tuna-like species. This membership provides Pakistan with an opportunity to contribute to the future of Indian Ocean fisheries while ensuring that its own fishing interests are recognized.
However, meaningful participation requires more than attending international meetings. It requires investment in scientific knowledge and accurate reporting. Fisheries management decisions are built on information, including catch records, fishing effort, fleet details and stock assessments. Without reliable data, countries risk losing influence in negotiations and may struggle to demonstrate the sustainability of their fisheries.
The IOTC Regional Observer Scheme highlights the importance of transparency in modern fisheries management. Independent observers collect valuable information about fishing operations, catch composition, bycatch and compliance with conservation measures. Alongside technologies such as Vessel Monitoring Systems and electronic reporting, observer programs can improve accountability and help countries build trust among international partners.
Pakistan has already taken steps to strengthen its engagement with the IOTC through fisheries reporting, scientific participation and compliance with regional conservation measures. The Marine Fisheries Department has contributed fisheries information to support regional assessments, while initiatives such as WWF-Pakistan’s crew-based observer program have generated useful knowledge about tuna catches, fishing methods, bycatch and interactions with protected species. Such efforts have helped improve understanding of Pakistan’s fisheries within the wider scientific process.
Yet, the next phase requires greater ambition. Pakistan must move beyond basic compliance and embrace science-led fisheries management as a foundation for economic growth. Strengthening fisheries databases, expanding digital monitoring systems, improving observer coverage and enhancing participation in international scientific forums should become national priorities.
The global seafood market is increasingly shaped by sustainability standards. Consumers, importers and international regulators are demanding proof that seafood is harvested responsibly. For Pakistan, meeting these expectations is not only an environmental responsibility but also an economic necessity. Sustainable fisheries can open new export opportunities, create jobs and support coastal communities that depend on the sea for their livelihoods.
The country’s maritime future will depend on how effectively it transforms its ocean resources into sustainable wealth. Membership of regional fisheries organizations provides the framework, but success will depend on the commitment to science, transparency and responsible governance. The ocean offers immense possibilities, but only those nations that protect and understand its resources will be able to benefit from them in the decades ahead.
(The writer is a research associate at the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Pakistan. She focuses on fisheries maritime governance and policy, and blue economy development in Indian Ocean. She can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
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