Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced that the government is developing a national action plan to safeguard marine life, specifically targeting the protection of rare and endangered shark species in the Arabian Sea. The plan aims to address the illegal hunting of prohibited sharks, which poses a threat to marine biodiversity and Pakistan’s compliance with international environmental agreements.

According to Radio Pakistan, the minister highlighted the critical situation faced by various shark species, including requiem, hammerhead, thresher, mackerel, and whale sharks. He expressed concern over the endangered basking shark, which is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The species is under threat due to entanglement in fishing nets and collisions with boats.

Junaid Chaudhry emphasized that sustainable fishing practices and adherence to international environmental standards are government priorities. He warned that unsustainable fishing practices not only harm the environment but could also damage Pakistan’s global reputation in the marine products industry.

The National Action Plan, in alignment with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations International Plan for the Conservation of Sharks, will focus on waste reduction, responsible fishing, and effective monitoring. The plan’s development will involve consultations with relevant institutions, including the provincial governments of Sindh and Balochistan, to gather comprehensive feedback on current procedures and monitoring systems.

The Federal Minister stressed the importance of collaborative efforts at both federal and provincial levels. He called for enhanced monitoring, law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns as essential measures. Junaid Anwar Chaudhry concluded by underscoring the necessity of conserving marine biodiversity for the coastal economy and the livelihoods of millions dependent on it.