Endangered whale shark spotted by divers near Charna Island

The Pakistan Boat Rally and Fishing Association (PBRFA) has reported a rare sighting of an endangered whale shark by one of its members during a recent diving trip at Charna Island in the Arabian Sea.

Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, are renowned for their immense size and gentle nature. According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, these gentle giants can grow up to 19 metres in length and weigh more than 15 tonnes. Despite their imposing size, whale sharks are filter-feeders, meaning they pose no threat to humans. They glide through warm tropical waters, filtering out tiny organisms from the water through their mesh-like gills.

The PBRFA announced that Manan Sheikh, along with fellow divers Faazil Tapal, Rayan Maker, Arslan Khan, and Mikaeel Ali Habib, had an unforgettable encounter with the whale shark. "They spent nearly 20 minutes swimming alongside this majestic creature," the PBRFA stated. "With only an estimated 150,000 whale sharks remaining globally, this sighting underscores the critical importance of marine conservation."

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Charna Island, located near Mubarak Goth in Karachi, is known for its rich marine biodiversity. The depth of the surrounding waters varies between 20 and 60 feet, creating an ideal habitat for a variety of marine species. "The whale sharks and other marine animals are often drawn to this region, particularly during the winter or after the monsoon season, when the Hub River enriches the waters with minerals," the PBRFA explained.

The whale shark, scientifically named Rhincodon typus, is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Over the past 75 years, the global population has decreased by more than 50 per cent due to threats such as fishing, pollution, and climate change.

Their elusive nature, combined with their cartilaginous skeletons, makes studying their behaviour and life cycle particularly challenging.

PBRFA President Ahmed Mamoor Amimi hailed the sighting as a "gift to all Pakistanis," highlighting the significance of preserving the nation's marine environment. He praised Manan Sheikh for capturing the remarkable footage and sharing it with the public.

The local names for the whale shark, Andhi Mangar in Sindhi and Baraan in Balochi, reflect its cultural importance in the region.