Four Bryde’s whales were recently seen off of Gwadar, Balochistan; this marked their first confirmed sighting since November 2023. A local fishing boat captained by Amir Dad Karim observed the whales, reporting them as part of WWF-Pakistan’s citizen science initiative. Sighting was approximately 5 kilometers north of their operation area in calm Arabian Sea waters around Dawn +1.
Significance of Sighting

Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera brydei) can typically be found in warm and temperate oceans like the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. They specialize in feeding on schooling fish like sardines, anchovies and mackerels which are prevalent along Pakistan’s coastline and their presence near the surface suggests they were likely traveling toward those waters to feed or find sustenance for feeding purposes (GEO News).
Sightings like these are noteworthy as they signify a healthy marine ecosystem in the area, reflecting improvements to water quality and an abundance of prey species. Such events are rare but demonstrate Pakistan’s vast marine biodiversity.

Role of Local Fishermen and Citizen Science

WWF-Pakistan applauded local fishermen’s swift documentation and reporting of sightings, playing an invaluable role in monitoring marine life and providing crucial data for conservation efforts. Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor for WWF-Pakistan emphasized the value of community involvement when tracking marine species and protecting endangered wildlife (Geo News).
Previous Sightings and Conservation Efforts

Bryde’s whales were last recorded sighting in Pakistani waters in November 2023 near Jiwani in Balochistan where a dead whale was discovered near the Pakistan-Iran border. Additionally, Bandri near Jiwani saw sightings as recently as May 2023 highlighting the need to continue conservation efforts to safeguard marine mammal and their habitats (Dawn).
WWF-Pakistan has long been engaged in marine conservation through initiatives like creating a national database of cetaceans and supporting sustainable fishing practices. Furthermore, they engage local communities to raise awareness and increase participation in marine preservation efforts.

Conclusion
The recent sighting of Bryde’s whales off Gwadar coast serves as a timely reminder of Pakistan’s coastal marine biodiversity and of the need to preserve it for future generations. Furthermore, local communities play an essential role in contributing to conservation efforts through citizen science initiatives; collaborative work among environmental organizations, local communities, and authorities is essential in protecting Pakistan’s marine biodiversity.