Overview
- WWF-Pakistan confirmed Monday that a bowmouth guitarfish was caught Sunday in Gwadar’s East Bay at roughly 30 metres depth.
- The specimen measured about 140 centimetres and weighed more than 65 kilograms, indicating a large, mature individual.
- The species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and on CITES Appendix II, which restricts international trade.
- Researchers report a global population decline of over 80% in roughly 45 years, driven primarily by intensive fishing pressure.
- In Pakistan, catches have fallen sharply over the past 15 years after historically higher seasonal landings, and WWF-led safe-release efforts since 2013 continue to face weak enforcement and limited awareness.