The initiative aims to protect endangered shark species and promote sustainable marine practices
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 said the plan is being prepared in collaboration with the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, along with marine and environmental experts, to address the growing threat of overexploitation of sharks in the Arabian Sea.
The minister emphasized that the continued capture of banned shark species, including the requiem shark, hammerhead shark, thresher, mackerel and whale shark, represents a serious threat to marine biodiversity. He warned that such practices also undermine Pakistan’s international commitments to marine conservation. Among the species most at risk 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 protection measures are not applied.
The National Action Plan is being aligned with the International Shark Action Plan developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This global framework calls on all countries to create policies that ensure sustainable management of sharks, reduce wasteful fishing and strengthen conservation initiatives. According to the minister, Pakistan’s focus will be not only on species protection but also on maintaining the seafood trade and the country’s global reputation through responsible fishing practices.
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The Ministry of Maritime Affairs plans to involve provincial fisheries departments, coastal authorities and local communities in the consultation process. Comments will be collected to review existing standard operating procedures and enforcement mechanisms related to prohibited 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 stressed 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 the communities that depend on them,” he said.
The initiative represents an important step in ensuring that Pakistan contributes effectively to global efforts aimed at preserving endangered marine species and promoting sustainable fisheries in the Arabian Sea.
