Critically Endangered Bowhead Guitarfish Caught Near Gwadar Coast

On February 24, 2026, conservationists confirmed the capture of a rare bowhead guitarfish, locally known as 'Koh Baradari' or 'Bhuth-khair', in Gwadar's East Bay at a depth of 30 meters. The fish measured 140 centimeters and weighed over 65 kilograms. The World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P) reiterated that this species is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is listed in Appendix II of CITES, which restricts international trade due to its high risk of extinction. WWF-P highlighted that global populations of bowhead guitarfish have declined by more than 80 percent over the past 45 years, primarily due to intensive fishing, leading to their near disappearance from commercial landings worldwide.