Editor
The Pakistan Boat Rally and Fishing Association (PBRFA) has reported a uncommon sighting of an endangered whale shark by certainly one of its members throughout a current diving journey at Charna Island within the Arabian Sea.
Whale sharks, the most important fish on the earth, are famend for his or her immense dimension and delicate nature. According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, these light giants can develop as much as 19 metres in size and weigh greater than 15 tonnes. Despite their imposing dimension, whale sharks are filter-feeders, which means they pose no risk to people. They glide by means of heat tropical waters, filtering out tiny organisms from the water by means of their mesh-like gills.
The PBRFA introduced that Manan Sheikh, together with fellow divers Faazil Tapal, Rayan Maker, Arslan Khan, and Mikaeel Ali Habib, had an unforgettable encounter with the whale shark. “They spent almost 20 minutes swimming alongside this majestic creature,” the PBRFA said. “With solely an estimated 150,000 whale sharks remaining globally, this sighting underscores the essential significance of marine conservation.”
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Charna Island, positioned close to Mubarak Goth in Karachi, is understood for its wealthy marine biodiversity. The depth of the encircling waters varies between 20 and 60 ft, creating a super habitat for a wide range of marine species. “The whale sharks and different marine animals are sometimes drawn to this area, significantly in the course of the winter or after the monsoon season, when the Hub River enriches the waters with minerals,” the PBRFA defined.
The whale shark, scientifically named Rhincodon typus, is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Over the previous 75 years, the worldwide inhabitants has decreased by greater than 50 per cent as a consequence of threats comparable to fishing, air pollution, and local weather change.
Their elusive nature, mixed with their cartilaginous skeletons, makes finding out their behaviour and life cycle significantly difficult.
PBRFA President Ahmed Mamoor Amimi hailed the sighting as a “present to all Pakistanis,” highlighting the importance of preserving the nation’s marine surroundings. He praised Manan Sheikh for capturing the outstanding footage and sharing it with the general public.
The native names for the whale shark, Andhi Mangar in Sindhi and Baraan in Balochi, replicate its cultural significance within the area.
