ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Launches 10-Year National Plan to strengthen shark conservation, protect vulnerable marine species, combat illegal shark finning and reduce shark deaths linked to fishing activities through 2035.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry unveiled the National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA-Sharks Pakistan 2025-2035) on Tuesday. He described the initiative as an important step towards improving marine resource management and strengthening protection for shark populations.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has unveiled Pakistan’s first 10-year national action plan for shark conservation #RadioPakistan #news https://t.co/U0jCfBZhtT pic.twitter.com/qdQGRlULKq
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) September 8, 2026
The plan will be implemented in three phases by the Marine Fisheries Department. An estimated $3.8 million to $5 million will be needed during its first five years.
Pakistan Launches 10-Year National Plan to Strengthen Shark Conservation
The Pakistan Launches 10-Year National Plan shark conservation plan seeks to address declining shark populations by limiting illegal finning, reducing bycatch, protecting important marine habitats and encouraging sustainable fisheries.
A multi-stakeholder National Advisory Committee will supervise implementation. Authorities will also focus on stronger fisheries enforcement, scientific research and improved data collection to better understand shark populations and fishing impacts.
Proposed measures include a mandatory fins-naturally-attached policy, species-specific protections, shark sanctuaries, mangrove restoration and efforts to reduce shark deaths caused by bycatch. The plan also aims to improve livelihoods for coastal fishing communities while encouraging sustainable shark fisheries and international cooperation, including through the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.
Pakistan Launches 10-Year National Plan to Monitoring and Three-Year Reviews
Implementation will be monitored annually using indicators such as landing-site monitoring, shark stock assessments, vessel monitoring systems and reductions in bycatch mortality. Formal reviews will take place every three years to measure progress and identify the need for additional measures.
The Pakistan Launches 10-Year to covers all chondrichthyan species found in Pakistani waters, including sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras, with particular focus on species targeted by fisheries or experiencing high bycatch mortality.
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Chaudhry said the plan was developed according to Pakistan’s ecological, institutional and socioeconomic circumstances while remaining aligned with the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s International Plan of Action for Sharks and other international best practices.
He stressed that responsible marine resource management must remain a priority and said stronger safeguards were necessary for vulnerable and prohibited species.
