Experts warn that large-scale fishing during the breeding season could threaten stingray populations and marine biodiversity.
KARACHI, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Large numbers of stingrays are being hunted along Karachi’s coast, raising concerns among marine experts that continued fishing could threaten the species, particularly during its breeding season.
Locally known as “pittan”, stingrays are increasingly being caught by fishermen casting nets close to the shoreline rather than travelling into deeper waters.
Experts say several factors may explain why the marine animals are appearing in greater numbers in shallow coastal areas.
Why are stingrays moving closer to shore?
Strong sea waves during the monsoon are one factor pushing stingrays towards shallower waters.
Experts also say the animals move closer to the coast to breed, avoid larger predators found in deeper waters and protect themselves and their young.
Their colouring closely resembles coastal sand, providing natural camouflage that makes them difficult to spot.
Food availability is another factor. During the monsoon, cockles and other shellfish can be washed towards the shore, while ghost crabs along the coastline also provide a source of food.
Breeding-season hunting raises concern
The increased presence of stingrays close to the shore has made them easier for fishermen to catch.
Experts warn that large-scale hunting could become particularly damaging if the animals are being captured during their breeding season.
According to a report citing marine experts, stingray populations in the waters of Sindh and Balochistan have increased in recent years. However, conservation concerns remain because intensive and indiscriminate fishing could undermine the species over time.
WWF-Pakistan Technical Adviser Moazzam Khan has previously warned that large-scale stingray hunting is taking place along the coasts of Karachi and Balochistan.
Khan said stingrays with leopard-like markings could face a risk of local extinction if indiscriminate hunting continues.
Stingray wings exported abroad
Although stingrays are generally not consumed as food in Pakistan, their products have an international market.
Khan said stingray wings are exported to countries including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
He also reported an increase in stingray-wing exports over the past 12 years, highlighting the commercial pressure facing the species.
The issue is therefore not limited to local fishing activity. Continued demand for stingray products could add pressure to coastal populations if harvesting is not properly managed.
Pollution adds pressure to Karachi coast
Hunting is not the only concern facing Karachi’s marine environment.
Plastic bottles, wrappers and other waste have been observed along sections of the coastline, adding to the environmental pressure on marine ecosystems.
Dead marine animals, including a turtle, have also been observed along the coast, while similar sightings have reportedly increased across stretches of the Sindh and Balochistan coastline.
Marine experts warn that the loss of individual species can have wider consequences because coastal animals form part of interconnected ecosystems.
Protecting marine biodiversity
Stingrays play an important role in marine ecosystems, and experts have warned that indiscriminate hunting could disrupt biodiversity and ecological balance.
The recent concentration of stingrays near Karachi’s shoreline has created both an opportunity for researchers to study the species and a conservation challenge.
If the animals are gathering in shallow waters for breeding or feeding, increased fishing pressure could affect reproductive populations.
Experts therefore stress the importance of monitoring catches, understanding seasonal movements and ensuring that fishing practices do not place additional pressure on vulnerable marine species.
For Karachi, the issue also highlights the broader challenge of protecting a heavily used coastline from overfishing, pollution and other environmental pressures.
