Marine experts have confirmed that the sawfish, which is one of the most unique and endangered creatures in the ocean, is now functionally extinct in Pakistani waters. The species used to be common along the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan, but it hasn’t been seen in years. This raises serious concerns about the diversity of marine life in the Arabian Sea.
A Sign of Pakistan’s Disappearing Marine Life
The sawfish, which has a long, saw-like snout with sharp teeth, used to live in the Indus Delta, Karachi’s coastal areas, and the shores of Makran. But years of pollution, habitat destruction, and overfishing have almost wiped out the species.
A new report from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Pakistan) says that there haven’t been any confirmed sightings in more than ten years. Fishermen who used to catch sawfish as bycatch now say that the species is no longer around.
“The sawfish was one of the most beautiful animals in our waters.” Mohammad Moazzam Khan, a marine scientist with WWF-Pakistan, said, “Its loss shows how badly marine ecosystems are hurting.”
Impact on the Region and Need for Immediate Action
The fact that sawfish are no longer found in Pakistan is not an isolated case. India, Sri Lanka, and Iran, which are close by, have also seen big drops. Marine experts say that Pakistan’s coastal biodiversity is in danger, and that sea turtles and dolphins are also in danger. The global database documenting species extinction and threat levels. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List
To stop more losses, environmental groups are now asking for stricter fishing rules, bigger marine protected areas, and more awareness among coastal communities.
The fact that sawfish are no longer found in Pakistani waters is a clear sign of how fragile nature is. Experts say that Pakistan’s push for blue economy growth must go hand in hand with protecting the environment.
Dr. Uzma Khan, a marine ecologist, said, “If we lose our marine biodiversity, we lose the health of our oceans and our future jobs.”
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