Pakistan Unveils 10-Year Shark Conservation Plan to Strengthen Sustainable Fisheries and Maritime Management
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday announced Pakistan’s first 10-year national plan of action for shark conservation, sustainable fisheries management and stronger protection of marine resources.
The National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA-Sharks Pakistan 2025-2035) is designed to strengthen fisheries management, improve marine environmental protection, protect critical habitats and support sustainable coastal livelihoods. The plan will be implemented in three phases over the next decade under the leadership of the Marine Fisheries Department and oversight of a multi-stakeholder National Advisory Committee, the minister said in a statement.
$3.8 Million to $5 Million Funding Needed in First Five Years
According to Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, an estimated $3.8 million to $5 million will be required during the first five years of the plan. Funding will come from government allocations, international donors and private-sector contributions, providing financial support for the implementation of Pakistan’s long-term shark conservation strategy.
The plan aims to restore shark populations, eliminate illegal finning, reduce bycatch mortality, protect critical marine habitats, improve coastal livelihoods and promote sustainable shark fisheries by 2035.
It establishes a framework for better marine data collection and research, stronger fisheries management and enforcement, and new conservation measures, including mandatory fins-naturally-attached policies and species-specific protections.
Shark Sanctuaries and Mangrove Restoration Included
The national action plan also calls for habitat protection through shark sanctuaries and mangrove restoration, while introducing measures to reduce bycatch across fisheries.
Fishing communities will also be engaged through livelihood support initiatives. The framework includes international cooperation, including through the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, as Pakistan seeks to strengthen marine resource management and sustainable fisheries practices.
“Progress will be assessed through annual performance indicators, including landing-site monitoring coverage, completion of stock assessments, deployment of vessel monitoring systems and reductions in bycatch mortality. Formal reviews will be conducted every three years,” he said.
Pakistan’s Shark Plan Aligned With FAO International Standards
According to the minister, the plan has been designed to reflect Pakistan’s ecological, institutional and socioeconomic conditions while remaining aligned with the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s International Plan of Action for Sharks and other international best practices.
The action plan covers all chondrichthyan species, including sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras found in Pakistani waters. Particular attention will be given to 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.
Stronger Fisheries Enforcement and Marine Conservation
Junaid Chaudhry said the development of the national action plan fulfilled Pakistan’s responsibility as a shark-fishing nation under international fisheries law.
He said the FAO International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (IPOA-Sharks) encouraged countries to adopt national plans for shark conservation and management, minimize waste and promote 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,” he said, adding that this was both a national responsibility and part of Pakistan’s obligations under various environmental agreements.
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