How it works:

The Fisheries Development Board works by partnering with a wide range of stakeholders, including fish farmers, fish traders and exporters, bankers, government agencies, industry associations, academic institutions, and local communities. We conduct research and analysis to identify opportunities and challenges in the fisheries sector, and we use this information to develop evidence-based policies and programs. We also work closely with aquaculture and fishing communities to provide training and technical assistance, and to ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process. Our partnerships with industry stakeholders allow us to support the development of new technologies and practices that promote sustainability and profitability in the fisheries industry. We develop and implement development projects to showcase and introduce new technologies, build capacity of fishers, farmers and fisheries related organizations and mobilize the sector to create demand for development of new input supply units and processing and marketing systems. Through these collaborative efforts, we strive to create a more resilient and equitable fisheries sector that benefits all stakeholders.

Organisational structure:

The FDB is administered by a Secretariat based in Islamabad. FDB policy and work program is determined by Board of Directors and General Body Members, consisting of government representatives, fish farmers, fish traders, exporters, representative of research organization which meets periodically to articulate needs and set priorities and directions. On the demand of the federal government and stakeholders, the work plan of FDB is developed by the secretariate management and after detailed deliberation it is approved by the Board of Directors. The work program and projects are implemented by FDB solely or with partnership of provincial fisheries department at selected locations all over Pakistan.

Membership:

Membership in FDB is known as “General Body Members” in various categories and currently 38 members are registered with FDB. The general body members include fish farmers, fishers, traders, exporters, representative of education and research organizations and representative of federal and provincial governments.

FDB offices and sites:

FDB has its head office in Islamabad and a regional office in Karachi. FDB also has its field sites at Dhurabi Dam, Pindadan Khan, Daam, Lasbella.

Work Programmes and its Implementation:

FDB is developing and implementing following work programmes

1. Assistance for development of “National Residue Monitoring and Control Plan”
2. Mobilization for development of “National Strategy on Aquatic Animal Health (2024-30)”
3. Mobilization for development of National Aquaculture Development Strategy and Action Plan of Pakistan 2023-2033.

Currently FDB is implementing three PSDP Funded Development Projects with the title as below:

1. Cage Culture Cluster Development Project
2. Pilot Shrimp Farming Cluster Development Project
3. Promotion of Trout Farming in Northern Areas of Pakistan

Key achievements:

1. Human resource development
FDB’s Training Programme has been instrumental in enhancing capacity in aquaculture development. Over 3,500 individuals have participated in FDB’s training activities since 2009, and several of the program’s alumni are currently operating thriving fish farms, cage farms, shrimp farms, and even manufacturing and supplying nets to fishermen.

2. Promotion of high value fish species
The Fisheries Development Board (FDB) has been working tirelessly to promote the production and cultivation of high-value fish species in the country. This initiative is aimed at boosting the overall production of fish and increasing the income of fish farmers. The promotion of high-value fish species is one of the key areas of focus for the FDB, and the board has implemented several programs and initiatives to achieve this objective.

3. Value chain development
The Fisheries Development Board (FDB) has been actively involved in promoting value chain development in the fisheries sector. The board recognizes that the fisheries value chain plays a crucial role in transforming the industry and increasing the income of stakeholders. As such, the FDB has implemented various programs and initiatives to enhance the value chain and ensure that all participants benefit from the fisheries industry. The efforts include the initial import and supply of Tilapia germplasm to farmers and hatchery operators which resulted in establishment of tilapia hatchery. FDB established field demonstration of aquaculture farms which created demand for floating fish feed and resultantly a fish feed industry established in Pakistan. Similarly, local industry has been developed for production of water aerators, floating fish cages and cage net manufacturing.

4. Promotion of cage culture in large water bodies
The Fisheries Development Board (FDB) has been actively promoting cage culture in large water bodies as a means of increasing fish production and providing economic opportunities for local communities. Cage culture involves the cultivation of fish in cages that are suspended in large water bodies, such as lakes and reservoirs. This method of fish farming has numerous benefits, including increased production, reduced environmental impact, and improved food security.

One of the significant contributions of the FDB towards the promotion of cage culture is the provision of technical assistance and training to fish farmers. The board has been training fish farmers on the best practices for cage culture, including site selection, cage design, stocking, feeding, and disease control. This training has enabled farmers to cultivate fish in large water bodies and increase their income by accessing new markets.

5. Promotion of shrimp farming in Sindh and Punjab
The Fisheries Development Board (FDB) has been actively promoting shrimp farming in Pakistan as a means of increasing seafood production, generating employment opportunities, and improving the livelihoods of farming communities. The board has implemented various programs and projects to promote sustainable shrimp farming practices. One of the significant contributions of the FDB towards the promotion of shrimp farming is the provision of technical assistance and training to shrimp farmers. The board has been providing training on best practices for shrimp farming, including pond preparation, seed selection, disease management, and post-harvest handling. This training has enabled farmers to produce high-quality shrimp that meets international standards, increasing their marketability and profitability.

6. Changes in regulatory framework
The Fisheries Development Board (FDB) has played a critical role in driving changes in the regulatory framework governing the fisheries sector in Pakistan. The board has been working closely with the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) to identify gaps in the existing regulatory framework related to export of aquaculture products. FDB has conducted a consultancy assignment to prepare new regulation for implementation of National Residue Monitoring and Control Plan and amendment in Pakistan Fish Inspection and Quality Control Rules, 1998.

Another contribution of the FDB towards changes in the regulatory framework for import of frozen fish fillets in Pakistan. On the proposal of FDB some changes have been made in the glazing ration of fish fillets, moisture content and packing guidelines.

The FDB has also playing a key role in advocating for development of policy and strategy for National Strategy on Aquatic Animal Health (2024-30)” and National Aquaculture Development Strategy and Action Plan of Pakistan 2023-2033.

Related:

Information about the FDB and key documents is given in other sections.