KARACHI: Pakistan’s remarkable marine biodiversity has come into the spotlight after a giant sperm whale, measuring approximately 45 feet, was spotted off the Sindh coast for the first time, offering a rare glimpse into the country’s largely unexplored underwater world.
#WWF-Pakistan has recorded a rare 45-foot #spermwhale near #Karachi, marking the first documented sighting of the species in #Sindh’s coastal waters and highlighting Pakistan’s rich marine biodiversity and conservation needs. https://t.co/6RN2LjGQvT
— China-Pakistan Friendship (@DostiChina) November 6, 2026
The World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) confirmed that the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was sighted around 40 nautical miles southwest of Karachi during an expedition led by Zahid Maker, a member of the organisation’s board.
The landmark encounter is particularly significant as previous sightings of sperm whales in Pakistan had been reported along the Balochistan coast, making this the first recorded sighting along Sindh’s coastline.
A glimpse into Pakistan’s hidden marine treasures
Footage captured during the expedition revealed the whale’s characteristic blowhole, distinctive skin markings and prominent hump, helping identify the giant marine mammal.
WWF-Pakistan Senior Director Rab Nawaz said the sighting demonstrated the extraordinary diversity of marine life supported by Pakistan’s waters, much of which remains poorly understood and documented.
WWF-Pakistan has called for stronger marine conservation measures following the sighting of an approximately 45-foot-long sperm whale, around 40 nautical miles southwest of Karachi.
According to WWF-Pakistan, this is the first recorded sighting of a sperm whale along the Sindh coast, with previous sightings reported off Balochistan. The whale was spotted during an expedition by Zahid Maker, a WWF-Pakistan Board Member.
WWF-Pakistan Senior Director Rab Nawaz said Pakistan’s offshore waters support remarkable marine biodiversity, much of which remains poorly documented. He stressed the need for stronger conservation measures, sustainable fishing practices and collective efforts to reduce threats to marine ecosystems.
Sperm whales primarily feed on squid and octopuses and can dive to depths of 300–800 metres, sometimes reaching one to two kilometres in search of food.
WWF-Pakistan has documented 26 species of cetaceans in Pakistan’s waters, including blue whales, Bryde’s whales and Arabian Sea humpback whales, alongside several species of dolphins and toothed whales.
The organisation highlighted growing threats to marine life, including fishing gear entanglement, vessel strikes, marine pollution and underwater noise.
WWF-Pakistan emphasised that the sighting underscores the ecological importance of Pakistan’s offshore waters and the urgent need for continued research, monitoring and effective conservation efforts to protect whales, dolphins and other marine species in the Arabian Sea.
— Fahmidah Yousfi (@fahmidahyousfi) November 6, 2026
He said encounters with large whales highlighted the ecological importance of offshore waters and the need to protect marine habitats and the food chains that sustain these species.
Nawaz stressed that safeguarding marine biodiversity required stronger conservation measures, responsible fishing practices and collective efforts to reduce pressure on marine ecosystems.
Why Pakistan’s waters matter to giant whales
Sperm whales are among the world’s largest toothed whales and primarily feed on deep-sea creatures, particularly squid and octopuses.
Pakistan’s coastal and offshore waters support several squid species, including purpleback flying squid and diamondback squid, which provide part of the food supply for these enormous marine mammals.
Read Also: Russian ‘Spy’ Whale Spotted Off Sweden Coast
The whales are remarkable deep divers, typically descending to depths of 300 to 800 metres while searching for food, although they can dive to depths of one to two kilometres.
Pakistan’s marine life: More than 26 cetacean species documented
The latest sighting also draws attention to the variety of whales and dolphins inhabiting Pakistan’s waters.
According to WWF-Pakistan, its research has documented 26 cetacean species in the country’s marine territory, including:
- Blue whales
- Bryde’s whales
- Arabian Sea humpback whales
- Sperm whales
- Several species of toothed whales and dolphins
The organisation has highlighted the need for continued marine research and monitoring to better understand the distribution and behaviour of these species.
Conservation remains key to protecting marine giants
Despite their ecological importance, whales and other marine mammals face several threats, including accidental entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with vessels and marine pollution.
Read Also: Endangered Blue Whale Found Dead Near Pakistan’s Coast
WWF-Pakistan has called for stronger protection of marine habitats, responsible fishing practices and collective action to minimise risks to marine wildlife.
The first recorded sperm whale sighting off Sindh offers an encouraging opportunity to expand scientific understanding of Pakistan’s offshore biodiversity while reinforcing the importance of protecting the country’s marine ecosystems.
