Posted on March, 27 2025

Karachi, 27 Mar 2025: A rare species of dolphin commonly known as Risso’s dolphin was reported in seawaters near Ormara, Balochistan, on 25 March 2025. Fishermen promptly rescued the dolphin and released it back safely into the sea. This is one of the 26 cetacean species found in Pakistani waters. Unlike other commonly observed dolphins, the Risso’s dolphin is very stocky, has a blunt head, and lacks a discernible beak. Risso’s dolphins can be found in almost all temperate and tropical waters around the world, including Pakistan. This dolphin is among the few marine animals that prefer to live in deeper waters and is usually found on the edge of continental shelves but may also come near the shores in some places.  They can dive to at least 1,000 feet and hold their breath for 30 minutes. 

Earlier, there were only three incidences regarding skeletal remains and sightings of Risso’s dolphins reported in early 2000 from Pakistani water. For the first time, a complete specimen of a male Risso’s dolphin was found stranded at Clifton Beach on 24 March 2020. Most of these dolphins were reported from the Murray Ridge area in the offshore waters between Cape Monz and Ormara. Risso’s dolphin is scientifically known as Grampus griseus. They have a robust body with a narrow tailstock. It can reach approximately 3 to 4.5 m lengths and weigh up to 250 to 500 kilograms. These dolphins are typically found in groups of between 10 and 30 animals, though they have been reported as solitary individuals, in pairs, or in loose aggregations in the hundreds or thousands. 

Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor (Marine Fisheries), WWF-Pakistan and President of Pakistan Whales and Dolphin Society, lauded the efforts of local fishermen who safely released rare Risso’s dolphin. According to him, most dolphins, including Risso’s dolphins, die during entanglement. He also shared that WWF-Pakistan has initiated a capacity-building program since 2012, in which over 250 fishermen have been trained to release entangled megafauna, including dolphins and whales, safely. He informed that 26 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) are found in Pakistani waters, including three baleen whales, 22 toothed whales and dolphins, and a porpoise. “Through the efforts of WWF-Pakistan, all dolphins and whales have been protected under the fisheries legislation of the Sindh and Balochistan provinces”, he added.