National action plan announced to save sharks

The federal government has announced plans to launch a comprehensive National Action Plan to conserve shark species in Pakistan’s coastal waters. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry stated that the plan is being prepared in collaboration with the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, alongside marine and environmental experts, to address the growing threat of shark overexploitation in the Arabian Sea.

The minister emphasised that the continued capture of prohibited shark species, including requiem, hammerhead, thresher, mackerel, and whale sharks, poses a severe threat to marine biodiversity. He warned that such practices also undermine Pakistan’s international commitments to marine conservation. Among the most at-risk species is the Basking Shark, listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Due to its slow growth, low reproduction rate, and frequent entanglement in fishing nets, the species faces a high risk of extinction if immediate protective measures are not enforced.

The National Action Plan is being aligned with the International Plan of Action for Sharks developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This global framework urges all countries to create policies that ensure sustainable shark management, reduce wasteful fishing, and strengthen conservation initiatives. According to the minister, Pakistan’s approach will focus not only on species protection but also on maintaining the country’s seafood trade and global reputation through responsible fishing practices.

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The Maritime Affairs Ministry plans to engage provincial fisheries departments, coastal authorities, and local communities in the consultation process. Feedback will be collected to review existing Standard Operating Procedures and enforcement mechanisms concerning banned shark species. Authorities will also examine the effectiveness of monitoring systems, awareness programs, and training sessions designed for fishermen and other stakeholders.

Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry underlined the need to strengthen data collection on shark bycatch and landings, while promoting transparency and coordination with international conservation agencies. He highlighted that sustainable marine management depends on strong collaboration between the federal and provincial levels, combined with consistent public awareness campaigns.

“Protecting marine biodiversity is essential for the long-term health of our oceans and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them,” he stated.

The initiative represents a major step toward ensuring that Pakistan contributes effectively to global efforts aimed at preserving endangered marine species and promoting sustainable fisheries in the Arabian Sea.