Pakistan has rich fishing grounds all along the coastlines of Sindh and Balochistan. Major fishing grounds are Khori Great Bank and the mouth of Indus creeks in Sindh, Sonmiani, Ormara, Pasni, Gwader and Jiwani along the Balochistan coast.
There are three categories of fishing being done in Pakistan including small pelagic fish (these include fishes that are found in water column in the coastal waters, including sardines).
Large fishes found in the offshore waters, (including tuna and marlins) and demersal fish (bottom dwelling fishes such as shrimp, snappers and pomfrets).
Fishing grounds for small pelagic species, especially sardines, are located in the shallow coastal waters and creek areas of the River Indus.
Tuna, marlins and other large pelagic species are caught in the offshore waters, at times about 300 to 500 nautical miles from the coastline.
Demersal fish, such as shrimp, snapper, crabs, lobster, croakers and catfish, are caught all along the coastline up to a depth of about 50 m.
Fishing is continued all along the coastline throughout the year; however, the main fishing season is between August and November.
During southwest monsoon (May to September) fishing activities are reduced because of high wind and rough seas.
Catches are also high during March and April. During June and July, the Government has imposed a ban on catching shrimp along the coast of Pakistan.
However, illegal trawling is being carried-out in Jiwani and non-local fishermen are exploiting the area.