The Gwadar Coastline (2021)SOCH Outreach Foundation
A Fishing Hub
Gwadar exudes serenity, with its tranquil waters hosting diverse fish families. The region's economic backbone hinges on the thriving fish trade, sustaining not only local needs but also catering to distant markets like Karachi and Saudi Arabia.
Local fishermen preparing the fishing net for the overnight fishing (2021)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Fishing from an early age
The Gwadari youth learn to tread salty waters in their childhood alongside their elders. Through careful observation and years of practice, the process becomes a part of their muscle memory.
Fishing boats in the Gwadar sea (2021)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Entire families depart for the sea at night or at sunrise and come back in the evening after having spent the day maneuvering the waters. While speaking about how fishing timings change depending upon seasons and winds, a local says, “fishery depends on luck.”
The auction Hall of the Gwadar Jetty (2021)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Gwadar Jetty
The Gwadar Jetty is situated near the Gwadar deep sea port and contains this fish auction hall. The hall has all the facilities for fish transport to the rest of Pakistan.
Boats around the Gwadar Jetty / Fish Harbour (2021)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Boats at the Jetty
Fishing boats lined up during the day at the Gwadar Jetty.
Gwadars Fishing Heritage (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Fishing in Gwadar
Watch our film about the fishing industry in Gwadar.
Types of Fish
Ocean bounty remains a popular souvenir to take from Balochistan. Specific seasons produce specific species of fish. Fish is the only produce out there which remains clean from chemical interference of any kind. This makes seafood the most nutritious and beneficial inclusion to a person’s diet.
The different types of fish found in the generous ocean of Gwadar are Surmai, Dama, Kisar, Paplate, Cuttlefish, Sardines and many more out of which Surmai is always in popular demand in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Apart from this, a wide variety of sea food such as crabs, shrimp and snails are also found in the Gwadari waters.
Sea to the Plate
Immersed in their coastal culture, the people of Gwadar wholeheartedly embrace the idea of savoring fish three times a day, if necessity dictates. This culinary tradition underscores their rich maritime heritage and the centrality of seafood in their lives.
Most common dishes include fish biryani, fish cutlets, fried or baked fish.
Fish such as sardines are also eaten as a snack during lunch or at tea time, while a whole fried fish is usually reserved for dinners or special occasions.
The multitude of sentiments covered here are proof of the importance of the fishing industry economically, politically and emotionally for the warm people of southern Balochistan.
Produced by SOC Films
Project Director: Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy
Producers: Syed Ayub , Sameer Khan
Project Manager: Huma Shah
Director of Photography: Murtaza Ali
Photography: Asad Amaan, Murtaza Ali
Photography Editor: Murtaza Ali
Additional Video & Photography: Khurram Victor
Exhibits Writer: Raania Durrani
Exhibits : Syed Ayub , Sameer Khan
Video Editors: Sourath Behan, Asad Amaan, Nina Zehri
Color Grade: Sourath Behan, Asad Amaan
Sound Design: Sameer Khan
