The federal government has reiterated its firm commitment to safeguarding vulnerable cetaceans in the Arabian Sea, as the nation’s top maritime official warned that these marine giants face an array of escalating dangers from human activity.
In a message marking International Day for Marine Mammals today, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, today highlighted the growing perils of overfishing, bycatch, ship strikes, noise pollution, and habitat degradation for species like whales and dolphins.
“Yet they underpin our coastal ecosystems, blue economy, and national livelihoods,” the minister stated, emphasising their critical role in the region.
The commemorative day, established following the International Whaling Commission (IWC)”s global moratorium on commercial whaling, aims to draw attention to the need to shield marine mammals from pollution, hazardous fishing gear, and habitat loss. Founded in 1946, the IWC has over 80 member nations and focuses on whale protection and responsible ocean management.
Pakistan”s waters are a significant habitat for these creatures, with 27 species of whales and dolphins recorded to date. The Arabian Sea is home to more than 20 cetacean species, including the endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale, blue whales, Bryde”s whales, and the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin.
Despite the serious threats, Chaudhry pointed to recent encouraging signs of marine life recovery off the coast of Balochistan. A remarkable video captured by a fishing boat captain showed six endangered Arabian Sea humpback whales breaching at the same time near Gwadar. “The presence of more than six whales signals improving populations along our coastline,” he noted.
Further evidence of the area”s rich biodiversity includes recent sightings of a group of Bryde”s whales in Gwadar”s eastern bay and a large pod of bottlenose dolphins observed in the city”s West Bay in November 2025. Other key hotspots for marine mammals include the Indus Delta, Charna Island, Ormara, and Astola Island.
The minister commended local fishermen for their role in reporting these sightings and called for enhanced public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of conservation. “We must promote sustainable practices to protect these ecosystems,” he urged, appealing to the public to reduce plastic consumption, participate in beach cleanups, and educate themselves on ocean conservation to help bolster the nation”s blue economy.