Pakistan announces first national shark conservation plan
In Pakistan, Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the first national action plan for the conservation and management of shark populations. The 10-year program will run until 2035 and aims to restore shark numbers, combat illegal finning and bycatch, protect important marine habitats, and develop sustainable fishing in Pakistani waters, Dawn reports.
Funding and oversight
The National Action Plan for the Conservation and Management of Shark Populations will be implemented in three stages. Funding needs for the first five years of its implementation are estimated at between $3.8 million and $5 million. Implementation of the program will be overseen by a National Advisory Committee involving various stakeholders.
According to Chaudhry, the plan is intended to strengthen fisheries management and compliance monitoring, as well as improve data collection and scientific research on shark populations. The program's implementation will be assessed annually using indicators such as the monitoring coverage of catch landing sites, the conduct of stock assessments, the use of vessel monitoring systems, and reductions in mortality from bycatch. A formal review of the plan will be conducted every three years.
Measures to protect species
Proposed measures include requiring fins to remain naturally attached to caught sharks, separate protection for certain species, the creation of shark protected areas, mangrove restoration, and reducing shark deaths from bycatch in fisheries.
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The plan covers all cartilaginous fish found in Pakistan's waters, including sharks, stingrays, rays, and chimaeras. Particular attention will be paid to species that are commercially harvested or experience high mortality from bycatch.
The program is also intended to support coastal fishing communities, promote sustainable shark fishing and international cooperation, including Pakistan's participation in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission. According to the minister, the document is aligned with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' International Plan of Action for Sharks.
According to a 2021 WWF-Pakistan estimate, shark catches in Pakistan have declined by more than 85% over five decades.
