ISLAMABAD: A large pod of bottlenose dolphins has been sighted in the western bay of Gwadar, a rare visual treat captured by observers and described by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF) as an “encouraging sign of ocean health”.
According to WWF-Pakistan, bottlenose dolphins are commonly found in the country’s coastal waters, with schools frequently seen near the Indus Delta, Chiran Island, Ormara, Astola Island and the wider Gwadar region.
Pakistan’s waters are home to 27 species of dolphins and whales, reflecting rich marine biodiversity.
WWF-Pakistan said repeated sightings of pods of dolphins attest to the high productivity of the northern Arabian Sea.
However, the organization stressed the need to protect Pakistan’s fragile marine ecosystem through effective awareness and management measures aimed at safeguarding dolphins and other marine species.
The conservation body reiterated that the increasing visibility of marine wildlife should prompt new efforts to preserve habitats and ensure sustainable use of coastal resources.
