A rare group of Bryde’s whales was spotted near Gwadar, marking a significant event for marine conservation in Pakistan.
Local fishermen noticed the massive creatures moving gracefully along the sea surface and promptly recorded a video, which was later shared with WWF Pakistan for verification.
After reviewing the footage, WWF Pakistan confirmed that the animals seen near Gwadar were indeed Bryde’s whales, a species rarely observed in Pakistani waters.
According to officials, the video showed four Bryde’s whales swimming together and moving toward the Gwadar coastline.
Experts said such sightings are rare and highlight the rich biodiversity of Pakistan’s marine ecosystem, which also hosts other whale species such as the blue whale and the Arabian humpback whale.
Last recorded sighting was in 2023 near Jiwani
The last confirmed sighting of Bryde’s whales in Pakistani waters was recorded in 2023 near Jiwani, another coastal town in Balochistan. Marine scientists believe that these sightings indicate improving ecological conditions and potentially healthier marine habitats along the Makran coast.
WWF commends local fishermen for timely reporting
WWF Pakistan praised the fishermen of Gwadar for promptly documenting the sighting and sharing it with environmental authorities. “Community participation is crucial for tracking marine species and protecting endangered wildlife,” a WWF representative stated.
The organization reiterated its commitment to monitoring marine life and conducting further studies on whale movements in the Arabian Sea to strengthen Pakistan’s marine conservation efforts.
