Maritime Pollution in Pakistan and Its Impact on Marine Life: Challenges and Way Forward

Marine pollution is a major threat to marine biodiversity, ecosystems and socio-economic conditions of coastal communities in Pakistan. Driven by industrial, agricultural and plastic pollution, mounting levels of marine pollution are largely resulting in habitat destruction, biodiversity loss and difficulties in conduct of subsistence activities. Lack of waste management system and public awareness further compound the problem. The present study gives a comprehensive analysis of marine pollution, its sources, types and mechanism as well as the damage is does to marine environment. The study also examines existing domestic and international legislation on marine pollution eradication and puts forth recommendations in the form of both short and long terms measures for pollution mitigation in Pakistan. The study also emphasizes the need to sensitize public attention on this pressing issue and advocates awareness campaigns regarding oil spill response preparedness, investment in resilient infrastructure and plastic pollution eradication initiatives. Long term measures stem from analysis of several case studies of island countries. These measures include protection of critical infrastructure, ecosystem conservation as well as increased research and development. Effective implementation of these measures can help Pakistan transition into a sustainable and secure future.