Overview
- Local fishers led by Captain Amir Dad Karim observed unusual surface activity near Demi Zur on October 23 and reported the encounter to WWF-Pakistan.
- The whales were seen about five kilometres north of the crew’s operation area, surfacing and moving toward the coast, with video subsequently verified by WWF-Pakistan.
- WWF-Pakistan interprets the nearshore movement as likely feeding behavior following schools of sardines, anchovies, and mackerel.
- This is the first confirmed regional record since 2023, when multiple occurrences were noted, including a dead Bryde’s whale near Jiwani in November.
- Bryde’s whales are protected under Pakistan’s wildlife and fisheries laws, are listed as Data Deficient globally by the IUCN, and the report underscores the value of citizen science in tracking threats such as bycatch and pollution.