Balochistan govt declares Astola Island ‘marine protected area’

KARACHI: The provincial government of Balochistan declared Astola Island as ‘marine protected area’ on Thursday, said a notification issued by Forest and Wildlife Department.

According to the notification, the island situated in District Gwadar have been categorised as protected area in view of protecting, conserving and restoring species, habitats, biodiversity and ecological processes which may be adversely affected as a result of human activities, furthermore, prevent degradation and damages.

Astola Island, also known as Jezira Haft Talar in Balochi is a small uninhabited island in the Arabian Sea approximately 25 km (16 mi) south of the nearest part of the coast and 39 km (24 mi) southeast of the fishing port of Pasni.

Astola is Pakistan's largest offshore island at approximately 6.7 km (4.2 mi) long with a maximum width of 2.3 km (1.4 mi) and an area of approximately 6.7 km2 (2.6 sq mi). The highest point is 246 ft (75 m) above sea level. The island can be accessed by motorized boats from Pasni, with a journey time of about 5 hours to reach the island.