Enforcing UNCLOS in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone: A Case Study of Fisheries Management

Abstract

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a comprehensive legal framework for governing the world’s oceans, including the management of marine resources within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Pakistan, with its 240,000 square kilometers of EEZ along the Arabian Sea, faces significant challenges in effectively managing its fisheries. Overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and insufficient enforcement of international standards have led to ecological degradation and economic losses in this critical sector. This paper explores the implementation of UNCLOS provisions in Pakistan’s EEZ, focusing on the fisheries sector as a case study. It examines the country’s legal, institutional, and policy frameworks, identifies gaps in enforcement, and evaluates the role of regional and international cooperation in addressing these challenges. Drawing on data from government reports, stakeholder interviews, and comparative analysis with other coastal states, the study highlights actionable measures to strengthen fisheries governance. The findings emphasize the need for a holistic approach that combines legal reform, technological interventions, and capacity-building initiatives to sustainably manage Pakistan’s marine resources under the UNCLOS regime.