Rare Whale Shark Spotted Near Karachi [Video]

A rare whale shark was spotted near Charna Island, Karachi. This sighting was reported by the Pakistan Boat Rally and Fishing Association (PBRFA) and has been celebrated as a significant event for marine enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

Members of the PBRFA captured stunning footage of the whale shark using an underwater camera, spending approximately 20 minutes swimming alongside the gentle giant. The depth around Charna Island, ranging from 20 to 60 feet, provides an ideal habitat for diverse marine life, making it a hotspot for such rare sightings.

The Whale shark, along with other marine species, is known to frequent the waters near Charna Island, Karachi, particularly during the winter months or following the monsoon season. The Hub River, which flows into the sea, carries minerals from the mountains that enrich the waters, attracting these magnificent creatures in search of food.

PBRFA President Ahmed Mamoor Amimi described the sighting as a “gift to all Pakistanis,” emphasizing the natural beauty and ecological importance of the country’s marine environment. He extended special congratulations to Manan Sheikh, a PBRFA member, for capturing and sharing this extraordinary moment.

The whale shark, known locally as Andhi Mangar in Sindhi and Baraan in Balochi, is an endangered species with an estimated global population of around 150,000. Historically hunted until the 1970s, the species is now the focus of conservation efforts by local fishermen who are committed to protecting these majestic creatures.