The government will target illegal shark finning, bycatch and habitat loss while promoting sustainable fisheries and supporting coastal communities through 2035.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has unveiled Pakistan’s first 10-year National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA-Sharks Pakistan 2025-2035), aimed at reversing declining shark populations and strengthening the sustainable management of marine resources.
The plan will be implemented in three phases by the Marine Fisheries Department, with an estimated $3.8 million to $5 million required during its first five years.
Speaking on Tuesday, Chaudhry said the initiative would focus on tackling illegal shark finning and reducing shark deaths caused by bycatch, while protecting important marine habitats and promoting sustainable fisheries in Pakistani waters.
The action plan will be overseen by a multi-stakeholder National Advisory Committee and will introduce stronger fisheries management, enforcement mechanisms, data collection and scientific research to improve understanding of shark populations.
Key measures include mandatory fins-naturally-attached policies, species-specific conservation measures, the establishment of shark sanctuaries, mangrove restoration and initiatives to reduce shark mortality across different fisheries.
The government also plans to support the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities through targeted assistance while encouraging sustainable shark fisheries. Greater international cooperation, including engagement through the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, will form another component of the strategy.
Under the plan, implementation will be monitored annually against indicators including landing-site monitoring coverage, completion of stock assessments, deployment of vessel monitoring systems and reductions in bycatch mortality. Formal reviews will take place every three years.
Although the initiative primarily focuses on sharks, its scope extends to all chondrichthyan species found in Pakistani waters, including rays, skates and chimaeras. Particular attention will be given to species heavily targeted by fisheries or facing high bycatch mortality.
Chaudhry said the plan had been developed around Pakistan’s ecological, institutional and socioeconomic conditions while remaining aligned with the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) International Plan of Action for Sharks and other international standards.
He added that the initiative fulfils Pakistan’s responsibilities as a shark-fishing nation under international fisheries law.
“Responsible management of marine resources must come first,” the minister said, emphasising the need for stronger safeguards for vulnerable and protected marine species.