According to Moazzam Khan, the technical adviser for the Wildlife Working Fund (WWF), there have been serious concerns over the pollution levels in and around the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), judging the area to be a “dead zone” for marine life due to the high levels of pollution.
It was pointed out by him that human activities have a detrimental effect on marine life, and that the pollution in the port areas of Karachi has resulted in the extinction of at least 10 important species of marine animals.
Where the WWF official spoke on behalf of the organization to mark World Ocean’s Day, he highlighted that approximately 500 million gallons of sewage are discharged into the sea every day.
As a result of these factors, in addition to the release of contaminants from the Lyari and Malir rivers as well as a variety of other waterways, Karachi has been affected by significant pollution across a 10-kilometer radius around its port.
As the official pointed out, the areas surrounding Gulbai and Makar Colony are also extremely polluted, which has adverse effects on marine life there. In addition, he said that due to pollution in these areas, there is no marine life present in the area.
The viceroy of New Delhi, Khan said, used to receive oysters from Karachi port area, which were shipped to the viceroy there before 1947.
According to him, the lampshell used to be found on Baba Island, Bhit Shah, and KPT, but it had gone extinct now; that is, it had an amazing ability to survive in the ocean for a period of 500 million years, defying all conditions.
However, it has since been declared extinct in Karachi due to marine pollution that it could not withstand. Several years ago, Khan said, he saw a lampshell near the KPT for the last time.
Additionally, one of the smallest species of fish – Arabian Pupfish – is also on the verge of disappearing from Karachi’s port area. Basically, it was the first time a WWF official has explained to Geo News that the program was aimed at training the children of fishermen for hunting.
There is also no longer any Caulerpa seaweed on the Manora beach in the city, Khan said, adding that the seaweed has been used in clothing, cosmetics, and more than 40 other items throughout the history of the city.
Furthermore, he expressed regret for the disappearance of the marine sponges in Shams Pir, an island located just off the coast of Karachi.
A humpback dolphin was once a common sight in the Karachi port area and was seen there until 1975. However, today, due to pollution in the ocean, these dolphins no longer pass through it,” said Khan.
Timenews1 reported that news
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