Conservation and management of biodiversity in Pakistan through the establishment of marine protected areas

Marine protected area (MPA) is an area in the coastal zone of land or sea specially dedicated to protection and maintenance of biological diversity and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means. In this paper a need for designating MPAs in Pakistan is presented on the basis of case studies on mangroves and its ecosystem, corals and coral reef fishes, marine turtles, whales and dolphins, and planktons and pelagic environment. This paper reflects that there are a number of species and habitat that require conservation and for this purpose designation of marine protected areas along the coast of Pakistan is inevitable. MPAs would ensure better management of marine ecosystem and environment. This is also linked with the economic and social stability provided by the sustainable use of resources. The need is also in line with commitment of the Government of Pakistan under the International Biodiversity Convention to establish MPAs in Pakistan. At least nine sites are identified as potential candidates for MPAs. Some of which have more than one important commodity that needs to be preserved. Three main sites suggested for immediate designation of MPA are Indus Delta, Astola Island and Miani Hor (Sonmiani Bay).