Malan-Gwader Complex Islamic Republic of Pakistan-2015

in less than 150 words) Malan-Gwader Complex located along the Balochistan coast is significantly important as it cover two Ramsar sites i.e. Ormara Turtle Beaches and Astola (Haft Talar) Island. A large lagoon is also a part of the Complex. The area is known for rocky headland located at Malan, Ormara, Pasni and Gwader whereas largest island of Pakistan is also located within the Complex. Because of uniformity of the diversity of the area this complex stretching over an area of about 8,750 sq. km is constituted. This complex is specifically known for presence of population of a number of cetaceans species including dolphins and whales. Arabian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae indica), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) and Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei) are regularly recorded from the Complex. Although the importance of the area has two important Ramsar sites but it international recognition as an EBSA will ensure conservation of the biodiversity of the Malan-Gwader Complex. Introduction (To include: feature type(s) presented, geographic description, depth range, oceanography, general information data reported, availability of models) Malan-Gwader Complex located District Gwader along the Balochistan coast. It lies along drylands of coast which is known for its headlands and bays. Main rocky headland of the area are Malan, Ormara, Pasni and Gwader. Gwader and Ormara have prominent tombolos having bays on both sides. The other important bays in the area is Pasni Bay and Sur. Largest island of Pakistan i.e. Astola is also located in the Malan Gwader Complex (Fig.2). A large lagoon known as Kalmat Khor is one of the prominent feature of the area. This Complex is significantly important as it has two Ramsar sites i.e. Ormara Turtle Beaches and Astola (Haft Talar) Island. The complex is stretched to a length of 350 km and breadth of 25 km making over an area of about 8,750 sq. km is constituted. The area harbors a variety of habitat making is rich in biological diversity. It has sandy, rocky and muddy habitat along its shore whereas the subtidal habitat are also very rich because of presence of coral assemblages especially around Astola Island. The area is known to rich is fisheries resources. Bays and sandy cum muddy fishing grounds along entire stretch of this complex are home of large number of commercially important fish and shellfish species which is harvested by fishing boats based within the Complex but from other areas of Pakistan. The most significant feature of the complex is the presence of highly diversified cetacean fauna. Large school of dolphins can be frequently located in the area whereas individuals or small groups of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) and finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) are also quite common in the area. This complex is specifically known for presence of population of large whales including Arabian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae indica), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) and Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei).