In a distressing incident, local fishermen in the coastal region of Gwadar discovered a massive rare blue whale, measuring 27 feet in length, trapped in a fishing net. The lifeless creature was brought ashore on Sunday, revealing evidence of the net firmly embedded in its body, suggesting a probable cause of death.
Abdur Rahim Baloch, a marine life expert, highlighted the rarity and enormity of the blue whale, the largest species of whale globally, weighing an estimated seven to eight tons. Unfortunately, the waters along the Gwadar coast have become perilous for sea creatures, resembling a slaughterhouse due to rampant illegal activities by trawlers.
Also Read: Fishermen are Calling for Comprehensive Policy Measures
These vessels, using plastic nets and colliding with ships, pose a significant threat to marine life, leading to the routine discovery of deceased sea animals. The blue whale is one of several whale species inhabiting Pakistani waters, alongside Bryde’s whale and the Arabian humpback whale.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan emphasizes the blue whale’s status as the largest and oldest living animal on Earth, capable of reaching lengths exceeding 100 feet and weighing up to 200 tons. Despite the lack of official research on the blue whale population in Pakistan, experts estimate that there are fewer than a hundred of these majestic creatures in the region. Unfortunately, blue whales are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with only 10,000 to 25,000 remaining globally.
It is crucial to note that these gentle giants, primarily feeding on krill, pose no threat to humans. This incident echoes a similar occurrence in May 2023 when fishermen in Gwadar’s Jiwani town found a 36-foot dead blue whale washed ashore on the beach. The recurring incidents underscore the pressing need for conservation efforts to protect these endangered marine species.
