Pakistan’s tuna industry is poised for a transformational leap, with the federal government eyeing up to $200 million in export revenues following strategic reforms and unprecedented quota allocations. Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry recently announced that Pakistan has, for the first time, secured a 25,000 metric tonne quota from the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)—a move that could reposition the country as a serious contender in the global seafood market.
The quota, which includes 15,000 tonnes of Yellowfin Tuna and 10,000 tonnes of Skipjack Tuna, aligns with international climate-conscious fisheries management protocols, marking a significant shift toward sustainability. This milestone is being touted as a “turning point” for Pakistan’s tuna sector, which, despite catching over 45,000 tonnes of tuna annually, has long failed to capitalise on the resource due to unregulated and informal operations.
International tuna prices currently range between $5 and $7 per kilogram—potentially higher with value-added processing. The earnings potential is vast, particularly when combined with the broader overhaul underway in the fisheries sector. Central to this transformation is the recently introduced National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, designed to unify disparate regulatory structures and promote revenue-generating, environmentally sustainable fishing practices.
Beyond numbers and projections, Pakistan’s engagement with the IOTC is growing stronger. For the first time in the commission’s 28-year history, a senior official from Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs has been elected chair of its Standing Committee on Administration and Finance. This signals not only increased regional influence but a maturing approach to global fisheries governance.
The IOTC, operating under the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, manages tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean by facilitating scientific research, distributing quotas, and implementing regulatory frameworks. Pakistan’s increasing involvement in this body reflects a deeper institutional commitment to sustainability and international best practices.
A notable feature of this evolving policy framework is the shift away from ecologically harmful techniques like gillnetting and bottom trawling. In their place, selective longlining methods are being adopted—a move that dramatically reduces bycatch and promotes marine biodiversity. The Food and Agriculture Organisation has supported this transition by providing longline fishing kits to local communities, underscoring the international backing for Pakistan’s sustainable fishing ambitions.
These efforts are already paying off. According to the minister, the market value of tuna could rise from an average of $2 per kilogram to as much as $8 as Pakistan transitions toward higher-grade, traceable, and certified catches. Additionally, reforms to seafood certification and testing fees have boosted government revenues from Rs48 million to Rs250 million—a strong indicator of improved institutional efficiency.
On the infrastructure front, work is underway to modernise fisheries landing facilities, with upgrades at Korangi Fisheries Harbour, including a new auction hall and floating jetty, geared toward enhancing tuna exports—particularly to high-value markets like the European Union.
Pakistan’s tuna industry now stands at a pivotal moment. With quota access secured, reforms initiated, and international credibility on the rise, the sector holds the promise of delivering long-term economic dividends. The challenge ahead lies in maintaining regulatory momentum, expanding stakeholder capacity, and ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of this maritime resurgence. If executed with consistency and vision, Pakistan could emerge not only as a major tuna exporter but also as a model for responsible, climate-aligned fisheries in the region.
