ISLAMABAD by IMTISAL BUKHARI
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced that a national action plan is being prepared in consultation with stakeholders to protect vulnerable shark species in the Arabian Sea.
In a statement on Saturday, the federal minister highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainable marine practices and meeting global conservation standards.
Junaid Chaudhry pointed out that the continued catching of banned sharks, including requiem, hammerhead, thresher, mackerel, and whale sharks, threatens both marine biodiversity and Pakistan’s international conservation commitments.
The minister highlighted that the Basking Shark, a highly migratory species in the Arabian Sea, is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List. This species is particularly vulnerable to human threats like fishing net entanglement and boat collisions, worsened by its slow growth and low reproduction rates.
The federal minister stressed that urgent, well-planned action is needed to protect the country’s marine ecosystem. He warned that ongoing unsustainable fishing practices involving these species could harm not only the environment but also seafood trade by damaging the country’s international reputation.
The minister said Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) International Plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sharks (IPOA-Sharks) encourages nations to adopt national plans for shark conservation and management, minimize waste, and promote sustainable fishing practices.
He said responsible management of marine resources must come first, with stronger measures to protect vulnerable and banned shark species. This, the minister emphasized, is both a national responsibility and part of Pakistan’s obligation under various environmental agreements.