The fish that fled

In a world where every species plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, the careless actions of humans continue to tip the scales toward disaster. Karachi’s marine ecosystem is a prime example of this disregard. The unchecked pollution in the city’s coastal waters has driven away several fish species, disrupting not just the marine life but also the livelihoods of countless fisherfolk and the country’s economy. The scale of pollution is staggering: 450 million gallons per day (MGD) of untreated sewage from the Malir and Lyari rivers, 600 MGD of industrial waste, and 175 MGD of toxic water from tanneries are being discharged into the sea. This toxic cocktail has turned the seawater an ugly black, far from the once vibrant and life-supporting waters of the Arabian Sea. Yet, it’s not the colour of the water that should concern us most; it’s the environmental catastrophe that this pollution has triggered.

Pollutants in the water have forced several species of fish to migrate, which is why fisherfolk are now observing a significant decline in their catch. The immediate impact has been the migration of fish to cleaner waters, leaving Karachi’s fisherfolk with dwindling catches. The consequences extend far beyond the local economy. Pakistan’s seafood exports, which have made a mark in European and other international markets, are now under threat. A decline in fish populations means a direct hit to export revenue, exacerbating the country’s already severe trade deficit. As Pakistan struggles to achieve economic self-reliance, such environmental neglect only pushes it further into the abyss. The damage isn’t limited to marine life alone. The pollution has also wreaked havoc on the mangrove forests, which serve as natural buffers against climate-induced weather disasters like cyclones and rising sea levels. These mangroves have the potential to generate significant revenue through carbon credits – a crucial asset for a country grappling with climate challenges and economic instability. However, this potential is being squandered due to the lack of coordinated efforts among various institutions.

The absence of synergy between government departments is a persistent issue in Pakistan. While one agency might work toward economic gains, another’s negligence can undo all the progress. The departments responsible for protecting marine life have been grossly negligent, allowing untreated waste to flow unchecked into the sea. This failure to act not only undermines environmental sustainability but also jeopardizes national economic interests. Seafood is important for both domestic and international markets. Pakistan is lucky to have access to natural resources. It should stop meddling with nature and take strict action against the companies/colonies responsible for dumping their unfiltered waste into the sea. The installation of filtration plants to treat waste before it enters the sea is not just a necessity but a survival strategy. Such measures would not only protect marine life but also safeguard the livelihoods of fisherfolk and the country’s export revenue. Our internal issues have already led us to a point where we depend on high-interest loans to barely survive. If Pakistan is to have any hope of achieving self-reliance, it must stop sabotaging its own resources and start treating nature as the invaluable asset it truly is.