Stingrays have drawn unusual attention at Karachi’s Sea View after fishermen hauled an exceptionally large catch ashore, with videos of the giant marine animals spreading rapidly on social media. Marine experts, however, have warned that the species has been declining along Pakistan’s coastline.

The rays were caught by fishermen from Clifton and nearby areas without the use of boats. Videos showed the animals being tied together and dragged towards the shore using wooden poles. Local reports suggested that such a large concentration of stingrays had not previously been witnessed at Sea View.

According to WWF-Pakistan technical adviser Moazzam Khan, stingrays have been part of Pakistan’s coastal fisheries for decades and are found across the country’s marine waters. Although their meat is generally not popular for human consumption because of its taste, the catch is used in poultry feed.

Khan said frozen stingrays have also been exported to countries including Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia during the past decade. Pakistan catches around 10,000 metric tonnes of stingrays annually, while roughly 38 species are known to occur along the country’s coastline.

Some large rays with distinctive leopard-like markings have increasingly been reported in different parts of Pakistan. Known locally by names including gara bari, paton and cheeto, the stingrays seen at Clifton Beach were reportedly caught using a traditional net called a beach seine.

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Despite their intimidating appearance, stingrays are generally not aggressive towards humans. However, they can cause serious injuries when threatened or accidentally stepped on. Their tails contain a venomous spine capable of penetrating the skin and causing severe pain and deep wounds.

WWF-Pakistan has been researching stingrays for around 12 years. Khan said the organisation’s research had found evidence of a significant decline in their population, highlighting the need for closer monitoring of their numbers and fishing activity.

Environmental experts have called for limits on stingray fishing to help protect the species. They warn that uncontrolled and excessive fishing could place further pressure on already declining populations and potentially lead to the disappearance of some species from Pakistan’s waters.

The unusual Sea View catch has therefore raised two contrasting issues: the growing visibility of these remarkable marine animals and the urgent need to understand whether their numbers can remain sustainable under continued fishing pressure.