Karachi:
On March 25, a Dolphin of Risso was recently seen in the waters near Ormara, Baluchistan, on March 25. Local fishermen intervened to rescue the Dolphin and released him safely to the sea. This marks a significant sighting, since Risso’s dolphin is one of the 26 species of cetaceans recorded in the Pakistani waters.
Different from the most commonly observed dolphins species, the Dolphin of the Risso is characterized by a fornate construction, a forceful head and the absence of a prominent peak. These dolphins are widely distributed in the temperate and tropical oceans, including the coastal waters of Pakistan. Preferring deeper marine environments, they are usually found along the edges of the continental shelves, but they can occasionally venture closer to the coast.
Risso dolphins can immerse depths of at least 1,000 feet and contain breathing for up to 30 minutes.
Historical records indicate limited encounters with this species in Pakistani waters. Before this event, only three cases of skeletal remains and sightings were reported in the early 2000s. The first complete specimen of the dolphin of a male risso was discovered stranded in Clifton Beach on March 24, 2020. Most of the registered sightings have been of the area of Murray Ridge, located on the high seas between Cape Monze and Ormara.
Risso’s dolphins generally travel in capsules of 10 to 30 individuals, although they have also observed alone, in pairs or in large aggregations that numerate in hundreds or even thousands. These dolphins can reach lengths of 3 to 4.5 meters and weigh between 250 and 500 kilograms.
Muhammad Moazzam Khan, technical advisor (marine fishing) in WWF-Pakistan and president of the Society of Whales and Delfines of Pakistan, praised local fishermen for their rapid and responsible actions to guarantee the safe release of Dolphin. He stressed that the tangle in the fishing team is a significant threat to marine mammals, including Risso’s dolphins.
Since 2012, WWF-Pakistan has been actively carrying out capacity construction programs to train fishermen in the safe liberation of tangled megafauna, including dolphins and whales. To date, more than 250 fishermen have received such training. Khan also stressed that all the 26 species that include cetaceans, including three Baleen whales, 22 whales and dolphins, and a Marsopoise, are now protected by fishing legislation in Sindh and Baluchistan, thanks to the conservation efforts led by WWF-Pakistan.
This recent rescue underlines the importance of ongoing conservation initiatives and the vital role played by local fishing communities in the safeguarding marine biodiversity in the waters of Pakistan.
