ISLAMABAD: A rare sighting of an endangered whale shark has been reported by the Pakistan Boat Rally and Fishing Association (PBRFA) at Charna Island in the Arabian Sea. The sighting occurred this month and was made by PBRFA member Manan Sheikh during a diving trip.
Whale sharks, recognized as the largest fish species and possibly the largest ever, can reach lengths of up to 19 meters and weigh over 15 tons. Despite their impressive size, they are known as the “gentle giants” of the ocean. These filter feeders, with their distinctive dark skin covered in light spots and stripes, do not hunt but instead filter small marine organisms through their gills.
During the dive, Sheikh and his team—Faazil Tapal, Rayan Maker, Arslan Khan, and Mikaeel Ali Habib—had a rare opportunity to swim alongside the whale shark for nearly 20 minutes. This sighting underscores the importance of marine conservation efforts, as only an estimated 150,000 whale sharks remain globally.
Charna Island, situated near Karachi’s Mubarak Goth in Kiamari Town, is known for its rich marine biodiversity due to the nutrient-rich waters from the Hub River. The region’s depth, ranging from 20 to 60 feet, supports a variety of marine life.
Whale sharks, scientifically known as Rhincodon typus, are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their population has declined by over 50% in the past 75 years due to threats such as fishing, tourism, marine pollution, and climate change. The elusive nature of these sharks, with their cartilage-based skeletons, makes it challenging to study their life cycles and behaviors.
