Rare sperm whale spotted off Karachi

A 45-foot-long sperm whale has been observed approximately 40 nautical miles southwest of Karachi, highlighting the diverse marine life in Pakistan's offshore waters, says WWF-Pakistan. The sighting was made by Zahid Maker, a Board Member of WWF-Pakistan, during an expedition. This marks the first recorded observation of a sperm whale along the Sindh coast, with previous accounts coming from the Balochistan coast. The footage shows the whale's blowhole, unique skin markings, and a prominent hump.

Whales and dolphins in the Arabian Sea play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, but they face threats from fishing gear entanglement, vessel strikes, and pollution. Rab Nawaz, Senior Director at WWF-Pakistan, emphasized the ecological significance of the sighting, calling for stronger conservation measures, responsible fishing practices, and collective action to protect marine biodiversity.

Sperm whales primarily consume cephalopods, such as medium-size, giant, and colossal squids, as well as octopuses. Pakistan's coastal and offshore waters are home to healthy populations of these species, including the purple back flying squid and the diamondback squid. The whales are also known for their deep diving abilities, typically reaching depths of 300 to 800 meters, and occasionally going as deep as one to two kilometers while searching for food.

To date, WWF-Pakistan has documented 26 species of cetaceans in Pakistan, including large whales like the blue whale, Bryde's whale, and the Arabian Sea humpback whale, along with various species of toothed whales and dolphins. This encounter provides insight into the remarkable biodiversity of Pakistan's seas, underscoring the importance of continued research, monitoring, and conservation efforts.

WWF-Pakistan stresses the need for sustainable fishing practices and responsible human activity to ensure the continued thriving of whales, dolphins, and other marine species in the Arabian Sea.