Rare Whale Shark Encounter Near Karachi and PBRFA members shot videos of whale shark 

The whale shark, the world’s largest fish, is known for its immense size and gentle nature and PBRFA member shot it with the camera . According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, these gentle giants can grow up to 19 meters in length and weigh more than 15 tons. Despite their imposing size, whale sharks are filter feeders, meaning they pose no threat to humans. They wade through warm tropical waters, filtering small organisms from the water through their mesh-like gills.

The PBRFA announced that Manan Shaikh had an unforgettable encounter with a whale shark along with fellow divers Fazil Tapal, Ryan Meeker, Arsalan Khan and Mikael Ali Habib. “They spent about 20 minutes swimming with this magnificent creature,” PBRFA said. “With only an estimated 150,000 whale sharks left globally, this sighting underscores the critical importance of marine conservation.”

Read also: Giant blue whale sighted off Gadani

Located near Mubarak Goth in Karachi, Charna Island is known for its rich marine biodiversity. The surrounding waters are between 20 and 60 feet deep, creating an ideal habitat for a variety of marine species. “Whale sharks and other marine animals frequent this region, especially during the winter or post-monsoon season, when the Hub River is rich in minerals,” PBRFA explained.

The whale shark, scientifically named Rhincodon typus, is listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Over the past 75 years, the global population has declined by more than 50 percent due to threats such as overfishing, pollution and climate change.

Their elusive nature, combined with their cartilaginous skeletons, makes studying their behaviour and life cycle particularly challenging.

PBRFA President Ahmed Mamoor Amimi hailed the sighting as a “gift to all Pakistanis,” highlighting the significance of preserving the nation’s marine environment. He praised Manan Sheikh for capturing the remarkable footage and sharing it with the public.

The local names for the whale shark, Andhi Mangar in Sindhi and Baraan in Balochi, reflect its cultural importance in the region.

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KARACHI: Pakistan Boat Rally and Fishing Association (PBRFA) told Geo News on Monday that a whale shark, a rare species of fish, has been spotted near Karachi’s Charna Island.

PBRFA members filmed the whale shark with an underwater camera and swam with it for about 20 minutes.

Depths around Charna Island range from 20 to 60 feet, making it a rich area for marine life.

PBRFA said in a handout that whale sharks and whales often visit the region in search of food, especially during the winter or post-monsoon season, when mountain minerals are washed into the Hub River. is discharged into the sea, thereby enriching the water.

PBRFA President Ahmad Mamor Amimi said the sighting was “a gift to all Pakistanis” and congratulated association member Manan Shaikh for showcasing the beauty of Pakistan’s waters.

According to the Fisheries Association, there are only about 150,000 whale sharks left worldwide as it is a globally endangered species.

The whale shark, found along the coast line of Pakistan, is called Andhi Mungar in Sindhi and Baran in Balochi. This grazing spawns fish in the north of the island.

Until the 1970s, this fish was hunted, but now fishermen are trying to protect its species.

PBRFA said in a handout that whale sharks and whales often come to the region in search of food, especially during winter or after the monsoon season. During these times, minerals from the mountains are washed into the ocean by the Hub River, enriching the water.

PBRFA President Ahmad Mamor Amimi said the sighting was “a gift to all Pakistanis” and congratulated association member Manan Shaikh for showcasing the beauty of Pakistan’s waters.

According to the Fisheries Association, around 150,000 whale sharks worldwide are endangered. The whale shark found along the coast line of Pakistan is called Andhi Mungar in Sindhi and Baran in Balochi. This grazing spawns fish in the north of the island. Until the 1970s, this fish was hunted, but now fishermen are trying to protect its species.