In a rare and exciting development, four whale species were recently spotted off the coast of Gwadar, Pakistan. The sighting occurred near Demi Zur, about five kilometers north of local fishing areas.
The whales were first observed by a fishing crew led by Captain Amir Dad Karim, who noticed unusual movements in the calm sea. The team identified the whales as Bryde’s whales, which were moving toward coastal waters in search of food.
The Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei) is one of three whale species found in Pakistani waters, alongside the blue whale and the Arabian humpback whale. These species inhabit warm and temperate oceans and feed primarily on sardines, anchovies, and mackerels, which are plentiful along Pakistan’s coastline.
The World Wide Fund for Nature–Pakistan (WWF-P) emphasized that Bryde’s whales are listed as “data deficient” on the IUCN Red List, indicating a lack of sufficient research. Despite this, the species is protected under Pakistan’s wildlife and fisheries laws and remains an important part of the marine ecosystem.
WWF-P has also launched a citizen science initiative to build a national databank of cetaceans. Fishermen and the public are encouraged to report sightings of whale species, which helps monitor marine biodiversity and promotes conservation efforts along the Pakistani coast.
This recent sighting highlights the rich marine life of Pakistan and the importance of protecting these rare whale species. It also underscores the need for continued research and public engagement to ensure the survival of these important marine animals.
In other related news also read Gigantic Rare Blue Whale Found Dead on Gwadar Coast
The discovery of these whales near Gwadar is a positive sign for Pakistan’s coastal ecosystems and provides valuable data for conservationists tracking the movements and health of whale species in the region.
