Karachi: Pakistani Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has unveiled the country’s first ever 10 year National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA Sharks Pakistan 2025 2035). Designed to halt decades of steep marine population drops, the strategy sets out comprehensive operational frameworks to tackle illegal shark finning, reduce bycatch mortality, restore critical habitats, and promote sustainable fisheries across Pakistani territorial waters through 2035.

The decade long initiative will be executed in three distinct phases by the Marine Fisheries Department, supported by an estimated funding pool of USD 3.8 million to USD 5 million over its initial five years. Overseen by a newly formed multi stakeholder National Advisory Committee, the plan introduces stringent regulatory measures. Key policies include mandatory "fins naturally attached" requirements at landing sites, species specific protections, the establishment of dedicated shark sanctuaries, and extensive mangrove restoration along the coastline.

Beyond enforcement, the framework addresses the socio economic needs of coastal communities by integrating targeted livelihood support to ease reliance on vulnerable marine stock. It also establishes international alignment with the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) guidelines and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.

Progress will be evaluated annually against rigid performance benchmarks such as vessel monitoring system coverage and bycatch reductions supplemented by formal triennial reviews. Minister Chaudhry noted that whilst sharks remain the primary focus, the protective umbrella extends across all chondrichthyan species in Pakistani waters, including rays, skates, and chimaeras.