The Sustainable Fisheries Entrepreneurship Program (SFEP) is a collaborative initiative between Engro Vopak Terminals Limited, Engro Elengy Terminals Limited, Engro Foundation, and WWF-Pakistan, launched in 2016. After successfully completing Phase III in 2024, the program has made significant strides in promoting sustainable fisheries management and improving livelihoods for coastal communities.
Phase III was implemented in the Union Councils of Rehri and Ibrahim Hyderi, partnering with local fishing groups, the Sindh coastal fisheries and Marine fisheries departments, relevant government bodies, and the private sector. This phase focused on addressing key challenges impacting marine and coastal ecosystems, with an emphasis on improving fisheries governance, combating illegal fishing, and reducing pressure on marine resources. Key actions included reducing post-harvest losses, curbing the use of illegal fishing gear, and raising awareness among fishers to protect the marine food web.
Notable outcomes in the last year include:
- Fisheries Data Collection: Observers deployed on fishing vessels consistently collected valuable data on catch sizes, species, and by-catch, contributing insights to the Indian Ocean network.
- Capacity Building: The renovation of the Fisherman Training Centre (FTC) provided a dedicated space for skills development. A 3-day training program onboard fishing vessels educated 25 crew members on sustainable practices, encouraging a shift to long-line fishing.
- Improved Fish Handling Infrastructure: Upgrades at Ibrahim Hyderi Jetta, including new flooring, stairs, and fish handling tools, reduced post-harvest losses and improved operational efficiency.
- Health and Hygiene Initiatives: Over 80 female fishers participated in health awareness sessions and coastal cleanup campaigns, promoting waste management and reducing plastic pollution.
- Community Engagement and Livelihoods: Eco-tourism initiatives were launched, providing 2 boats with safety kits to promote alternative livelihoods. SFEP also facilitated 15 community mobilization meetings to ensure inclusivity in skill development programs.
- Media and Advocacy: SFEP’s interventions gained national and international recognition, raising awareness about marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
Over the course of the 8-year program, SFEP achieved significant impact, training over 2,900 fisherfolk in sustainability and livelihoods, supporting more than 1,100 fisherfolk with assets, engaging 1,500 students and 400 youth in environmental activities and benefitting over 7,000 individuals indirectly. With these outcomes, SFEP has made a lasting contribution to marine conservation and the empowerment of coastal communities.