Humpback whales found in the Arabian Sea are species of baleen whales, after the monsoon they migrate into Pakistani waters
A large pod of endangered Arabian humpback whales has been spotted off the coast of Gwadar, Balochistan – a rare and encouraging sight for marine conservation. The spectacular moment when six humpback whales breached the sea surface simultaneously was recorded on a mobile camera by a fishing boat captain out at sea after the catch.
Humpback whales found in the Arabian Sea are a species of baleen whale, primarily located between Yemen and Sri Lanka. After the monsoon season, they migrate into Pakistani waters to feed on shrimp and other small fish. “The presence of a group of more than six whales is a sign of recovery along Pakistan’s coastline,” said Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor, WWF-Pakistan.
According to WWF-Pakistan, the pod was spotted last night by a group of fishermen led by Captain Amir Dad Kareem, approximately 11 nautical miles south of the Gwadar coastline, traveling from west to east through the Arabian Sea.
Last week, a group of Bryde’s whales was also reported in the eastern gulf of Gwadar – further highlighting the rich biodiversity of Balochistan’s coastal waters. So far, 27 species of whales and dolphins have been recorded in Pakistan’s marine habitats.
Khan explained that Arabian Sea humpback whales are unique: unlike many humpback populations that migrate to Antarctic waters in the summer to feed on krill, this group remains confined to the Arabian Sea year-round.
Previous commercial whaling, particularly between 1963 and 1967 by Soviet fleets, severely affected their numbers. “This large pod shows that the dangerously declining population of the Arabian humpback whale can make a comeback along Pakistan’s coast,” said Moazzam Khan.
WWF-Pakistan Senior Director of Biodiversity, Rab Nawaz, welcomed the recent sightings of humpback whales, as well as repeated sightings of Bryde’s and blue whales along the coast of Sindh and Balochistan.
“We appreciate the fishing community monitoring sightings of whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife and reporting them to WWF. This contribution to citizen science is very valuable,” said Rab Nawaz. “Awareness created by WWF among fishermen and the general public helps to protect marine species – which is commendable.”
A majestic species under protection
Marine experts note that humpback whales are among the largest marine mammals on earth. Their ability to produce powerful sea sounds and their dramatic leaps out of the water make them easily recognizable. Their distinctive humped dorsal fin and large, beautifully patterned tail enable observers to identify them from a long distance.
Humpback whales feed on krill and small marine organisms, trapping their prey in the bubble net before swallowing. As mammals, mother whales nurse their calves for up to a year, making them highly vulnerable to environmental threats. The latest sighting has renewed hope that Pakistan’s waters remain a critical sanctuary for endangered marine life – and that the future of the Arabian humpback whale in the region may yet be secured.
