Rare Blue Whale Found Dead In Gwadar Bay Near Pakistan-Iran Border

On Monday, a Blue Whale was found dead in Gwatar Bay near the Pakistan-Iran border.  WWF Pakistan expressed their deep concern over the death of the species. 

A rare sighting turns somber:

Blue whale is known as the largest animal on Earth. In Pakistan, it is rarely seen. This unfortunate event marks a grim reminder of the growing threats to marine life in the Northern Arabian Sea. According to officials, rough seas and strong currents may have carried the dead whale toward Gwatar Bay after it likely died several days earlier in open waters.

Possible cause: Fishing gear entanglement:

The exact cause of death of Blue Whale remains unknown. However, experts suspect the whale may have become entangled in gillnets. These nets are widely used for commercial fishing along the coastal and offshore waters of the region. Moreover, they pose a serious threat to large marine animals, especially whales and dolphins. The official statement says, “Although the cause of the death is not ascertained so far, it seems the animal might have gotten entangled in gillnets.”

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A glimpse into Whale species in Pakistani waters:

Blue whales are one of only three baleen whale species known to inhabit Pakistan’s marine territory. The other two include the Bryde’s whale and the Arabian humpback whale. Experts believe the deceased whale could belong to the pygmy blue whale subspecies, which is smaller than the typical blue whale and is found in the Northern Indian Ocean.

Conservationists raise alarm:

The death of the Blue Whale raised concern over the safety of the marine animals. The technical advisor at WWF-Pakistan, Mohammad Moazzam Khan, expressed deep concern over the death. He stated, “The Blue Whale’s death is sad news for the conservation community around the world.” Khan emphasized the need to adopt precautionary measures to protect endangered marine species. He said, “Urgent steps are required for its conservation.”

Legal protection and future steps:

Pakistan has made legislative strides in marine wildlife protection. All sea mammals, including whales and dolphins, are now protected under the wildlife and fisheries laws of both Sindh and Balochistan.

But despite these protections, marine life continues to suffer from plastic pollution and increased industrial activity. Conservationists are calling for stricter enforcement of laws, greater awareness among local fishermen, and sustainable fishing practices to prevent further loss of such majestic creatures.