Pod of Rare Humpback Whales Spotted off Gwadar Coast
GWADAR — In a breathtaking scene along Pakistan’s southwestern coastline, a pod of endangered Arabian humpback whales was sighted near Gwadar earlier this week a rare and uplifting moment for the country’s marine biodiversity.
According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan, local fishermen reported spotting at least six whales swimming together about 11 nautical miles south of the Gwadar headland. The magnificent creatures were seen moving gracefully from west to east, creating ripples of excitement among the coastal community.
Marine experts have described the sighting as a positive sign for Pakistan’s marine ecosystem, suggesting that conservation efforts and a healthier ocean environment may be encouraging the return of these elusive giants.
The Arabian humpback whale is a particularly rare species one of the few whale populations in the world that does not migrate seasonally. Found year-round in the Arabian Sea, their range extends from Yemen to Sri Lanka, with occasional appearances along Pakistan’s coast.
Their population had suffered a dramatic decline between 1963 and 1967 due to Soviet-era whaling operations in the region. However, this recent encounter has renewed hope among conservationists that the species may be gradually recovering.
“This is an encouraging sign,” said a WWF marine researcher. “Each sighting reminds us of the importance of protecting our oceans not only for these whales but for all marine life that depends on them.”
The rare glimpse of humpback whales off Gwadar’s shores has once again highlighted Pakistan’s rich yet fragile coastal biodiversity a natural treasure deserving of continued care and protection.
