Pakistan’s Marine Life Faces Collapse Amid Overfishing and Pollution Experts Warn of Habitat Destruction, Weak Laws, and Climate Change Threats

Pakistan’s marine ecosystems are on the brink of collapse as pollution, overfishing, and destructive practices devastate coastal waters. Conservationists report that 980 million gallons of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and medical waste flow daily from Karachi’s Lyari River alone, poisoning marine habitats. Songul Jamal, Founder of Marine Conservation Pakistan, warned that “the seawater is black now, that means the ocean is dead,” adding that mangroves, vital breeding grounds, can no longer thrive. Specialists identify bottom trawling as one of the most damaging practices, with trawlers dragging heavy metal boards across the seabed, crushing coral reefs, and creating massive bycatch where untargeted fish and marine animals die before being discarded. Coral reefs, which support nearly 25% of marine life, are collapsing, leaving fish species without food or shelter. Experts warn that valuable fish such as Hilsa, Pomfret, Groupers, and Snappers may vanish, with only a few hardy species expected to survive.
Beyond pollution and overfishing, climate change, weak regulation, and poor freshwater inflows are worsening Pakistan’s marine crisis. Rising sea temperatures are disrupting breeding cycles, altering ecosystems, and fueling algal blooms that choke oxygen from seawater. The lack of freshwater flow into the sea increases salinity and acidity, making survival harder for fish populations. Experts argue that Pakistan’s existing laws—such as the Fisheries Acts and Environmental Protection Acts—remain “words on paper” due to weak enforcement. Communities dependent on fisheries are rarely consulted in policymaking, leaving them disempowered. Conservationists stress that immediate action is critical: enforcing seasonal bans, restoring habitats, reducing pollution, and raising public awareness. Coral restoration and sustainable fishing practices could revive ecosystems if implemented effectively. Without urgent steps, Pakistan risks not only the collapse of marine life but also the loss of livelihoods for millions reliant on fishing and coastal resources. The choice between neglect and action remains urgent.