Four Bryde’s whales spotted off Gwadar coast, WWF-Pakistan confirms

A group of four Bryde’s whales was spotted near the coast of Gwadar on Friday morning, marking a rare sighting of the species in Pakistani waters, according to WWF-Pakistan.

The whales were seen by local fishers near Demi Zur, approximately five kilometres north of their fishing area. The pod was observed by a boat captained by Amir Dad Karim, who noticed movement on the calm sea and reported the sighting to WWF-Pakistan under its citizen science initiative.

Experts later identified the species as Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera brydei), one of three known baleen whale species found in Pakistan’s coastal waters. These whales are typically found in warm, temperate oceans and feed on schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerels — species commonly found along the country’s coastline.

WWF-Pakistan noted that the Bryde’s whale is listed as “Data Deficient” on the IUCN Red List, meaning there is insufficient information to assess its global population status. The organisation added that all cetacean species, including Bryde’s whales, are protected under Pakistan’s wildlife, fisheries, and international trade regulations.