In early September, Churna Island was designated as Pakistan's second-ever marine protected area, aimed at preserving its unique yet eroding biodiversity.
Located in the Arabian Sea, approximately 40 kilometers from Karachi, environmentalists regard the island as a biodiversity hotspot, home to many rare marine species and coral formations.
However, the island faces severe threats from industrial activities, marine pollution, and illegal fishing. Muhammad Moazzam Khan, a technical adviser at WWF-Pakistan, highlighted that the marine ecosystem is jeopardized by nearby power plants, an oil refinery, and recreational activities.
Churna Island boasts a significant coral habitat and serves as a feeding ground for various marine species, including whales and whale sharks. The surrounding waters are crucial for local fishermen from Sindh and Balochistan, whose livelihoods are at risk.
Concerns have escalated following the first instance of coral bleaching in 2022, likely linked to temperature anomalies from industrial activities. Environmentalists stress the urgent need for stricter controls to combat marine pollution and illegal fishing.