ISLAMABAD: A rare and critically endangered Bowhead Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostomus) was caught in the East Bay of Gwadar on Sunday, confirmed the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Pakistan).
The fish, which is locally known as ‘Koh Baradari’ or ‘Bhuth-khair’, was caught at a depth of approximately 30 metres, according to the WWF. The specimen measured over 140 cm in length and weighed more than 65 kg.
The organization highlighted that this species is listed as "critically endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, with its global population plummeting by nearly 80% over the last 45 years.
The primary cause for this decline is intense overfishing and habitat loss.
While international trade of the Bowhead Guitarfish is strictly regulated under CITES Appendix II, illegal fishing and accidental bycatch continue to push the species toward extinction.
WWF-Pakistan noted that a significant decline in sightings has also been recorded within Pakistani waters.
Experts explain that the species is particularly vulnerable because females produce very few offspring at a time, resulting in a slow reproductive rate. Since 2013, WWF-Pakistan has been working with local fishing communities to encourage the safe release of entangled guitarfish.
Conservationists and marine experts are now calling on the Government of Pakistan and maritime authorities to implement immediate, effective measures to protect this rare marine life and ensure the survival of its remaining population.
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