The initiative aims to protect endangered shark species, 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 stated that 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 fishing of prohibited shark species, including requiem, hammerhead, thresher, mackerel and whale sharks, poses a serious threat to marine biodiversity. He warned that such practices also undermine Pakistan’s international commitments to marine conservation. Among the most endangered species is the Basking Shark, listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Due to its slow growth, low reproductive rate and frequent entanglement in fishing nets, the species faces a high risk of extinction if immediate conservation measures are not enforced.
The national action plan is being adapted to the international action plan for sharks developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This global framework calls on 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 Ministry of Maritime Affairs plans to involve 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 regarding prohibited shark species. The 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 emphasized that sustainable marine management depends on strong cooperation between the federal and provincial levels, combined with consistent public awareness campaigns.
“Protecting marine biodiversity is critical to the long-term health of our oceans and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them,” he said.
The initiative represents a major step towards ensuring that Pakistan contributes effectively to global efforts aimed at conserving endangered marine species and promoting sustainable fisheries in the Arabian Sea.
