Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reaffirmed the government's steadfast commitment to safeguarding rich marine biodiversity, especially vulnerable cetaceans like whales and dolphins in the Arabian Sea.
In a message on International Day for Marine Mammals, the minister warned that these ocean giants face growing threats from overfishing, bycatch, ship strikes, noise pollution, and habitat loss. "Yet they underpin our coastal ecosystems, blue economy, and national livelihoods," he said.
Following the International Whaling Commission (IWC)'s global moratorium on commercial whaling, the day underscores the need to protect species like whales, dolphins, seals, and sea otters from pollution, fishing gear, and habitat degradation.
The IWC was founded in 1946 under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. It has more than 80 member countries, including many non-whaling nations. Its headquarters are in the United Kingdom, and it focuses mainly on whale protection, ecosystem health, and responsible ocean management.
Arabian Sea hosts over 20 cetacean species, including endangered Arabian Sea humpback whales, blue whales, Bryde's whales, and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Commonly sighted are spinner dolphins, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, and finless porpoises. To date, 27 whale and dolphin species have been recorded in Pakistan's waters.
Junaid Chaudhry highlighted recent encouraging sightings off Gwadar, Balochistan. A fishing boat captain captured video of six endangered Arabian Sea humpback whales breaching simultaneously, a rare sign of recovery. "The presence of more than six whales signals improving populations along our coastline," he noted.
Junaid Chaudhry also cited a Bryde's whale group in Gwadar's eastern bay, further showcasing Balochistan's coastal biodiversity. In November 2025, a large pod of bottlenose dolphins appeared in Gwadar's West Bay, near frequent hotspots like the Indus Delta, Charna Island, Ormara, and Astola Island.
The minister praised fishermen for reporting sightings and urged awareness campaigns. "We must promote sustainable practices to protect these ecosystems," he said, calling on the public to reduce plastic use, join beach cleanups, and learn about ocean conservation to bolster the blue economy.
