ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday announced Pakistan’s first 10-year national plan for shark conservation and management. The initiative aims to promote sustainable fisheries and protect vulnerable marine species.
The National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA-Sharks Pakistan 2025-2035) will run in three phases over the next decade. The Marine Fisheries Department will lead the plan, while a multi-stakeholder National Advisory Committee will oversee its implementation.
$5 Million Funding Required
The minister said the plan would require an estimated $3.8 million to $5 million during its first five years.
Government allocations, international donors and private-sector contributions will provide the required funding. Authorities will use the resources to strengthen conservation and improve fisheries management.
Key Goals of the Action Plan
The plan aims to restore shark populations and eliminate illegal shark finning by 2035. It also seeks to reduce deaths caused by accidental catches, protect critical marine habitats and support coastal communities.
Furthermore, the framework will improve fisheries data collection and scientific research. It will also strengthen enforcement and introduce measures such as mandatory fins-naturally-attached policies and species-specific protections.
The plan also calls for shark sanctuaries and mangrove restoration to protect important habitats. In addition, authorities will introduce measures to reduce bycatch across different fisheries.
Support for Fishing Communities
The initiative also focuses on people who depend on fishing for their livelihoods.
Authorities plan to work with fishing communities and provide livelihood support where conservation measures affect their activities. Pakistan will also cooperate with international organisations, including the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.
Monitoring Progress
The government will assess progress through annual performance indicators.
These indicators will include landing-site monitoring coverage, completion of shark stock assessments, deployment of vessel monitoring systems and reductions in bycatch mortality.
Formal reviews will take place every three years to evaluate the plan and make necessary adjustments.
Plan Covers Sharks, Rays and Other Species
The action plan covers all chondrichthyan species found in Pakistani waters. These include sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras.
However, the plan places particular attention on shark species targeted by fisheries or facing significant bycatch mortality.
“Although the primary emphasis is on sharks, the management frameworks, data collection systems and enforcement mechanisms established through the NPOA will also benefit other elasmobranch species, many of which face similar conservation challenges,” Junaid Chaudhry said.
Pakistan’s International Responsibility
According to the minister, the national action plan fulfils Pakistan’s responsibilities as a shark-fishing nation under international fisheries law.
The FAO International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (IPOA-Sharks) encourages countries to develop national plans. It also promotes efforts to reduce waste and support sustainable fishing practices.
“Responsible management of marine resources must come first, with stronger measures to protect vulnerable shark species and those whose capture is prohibited,” Junaid Chaudhry said.
He added that shark conservation was both a national responsibility and part of Pakistan’s commitments under various international environmental agreements.
