Miani Hor

Miani Hor is a wetland located in the Lasbela District, Balochistan, Pakistan. It is a coastal lagoon in the northern Arabian Sea. It is approximately 60 km long and 4 to 5 km wide, and includes deep channels (25–30 meters) near the coastal region. The lagoon lies about 90 kilometers from Karachi, on the southwestern coast of Balochistan. Spanning around 7,471 hectares, it was designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance in May 2001 due to its rich biodiversity and ecological significance.

It is not only a significant marine and coastal ecosystem, but also supports important fisheries, which serve as the main economic activity for the local population, employing more than 95% of residents in the area. The lagoon is shallow and runs parallel to the coast, separated from the open sea by a barrier, though it remains connected via tidal channels.

The area has been recognized for its ecological importance and is designated as an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA), highlighting its role in marine mammal conservation. Additionally, Miani Hor is a Ramsar Site, meaning it is acknowledged as a wetland of international importance, particularly due to its support of diverse bird species and coastal biodiversity.

Ecological Significance

Mangrove Diversity

Miani Hor is unique in Pakistan for naturally hosting three mangrove species: Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, and Ceriops tagal. These mangroves play a crucial role in coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and providing habitat for various marine species.

Marine Life

The lagoon supports over 300 fish species and about 100 species of crabs, shrimps, and mollusks, making it a vital breeding ground for marine biodiversity.

Cetacean Habitat

Miani Hor is home to a resident population of endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea), estimated between 60 and 80 individuals. Occasional sightings of vulnerable Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) have also been reported. 

Avian Importance

The lagoon serves as a critical staging and wintering area for migratory shorebirds, including flamingos, pelicans, cranes, and various gulls and terns. Surveys have recorded up to 60,000 waterbirds during peak migration seasons.

Environmental Challenges

Pollution

Disposal of domestic waste and accumulation of solid debris threaten the lagoon’s water quality and overall ecosystem health. 

Mangrove Degradation

Illegal cutting of mangroves for firewood and fodder, along with sand dune encroachment, has led to a significant loss of mangrove cover. Over 3.6 square kilometers of mangroves have been lost, with an additional 2.1 square kilometers under threat.

Overfishing

Unsustainable fishing practices, including the use of illegal nets, have depleted fish stocks and disrupted the marine food chain.

Conservation Efforts

Community Engagement

Local communities have established a 179-hectare “No Take Zone” named Safe Doori, legally recognized as a fish sanctuary. A community-based watch and ward system monitors the area to ensure compliance and protect biodiversity.

Mangrove Reforestation

Initiatives like the plantation of 100,000 mangrove saplings by WWF-Pakistan and JS Bank aim to restore degraded areas and enhance coastal resilience.

Sand Dune Stabilization

Projects have been undertaken to control sand dune migration by planting mangroves and digging trenches to facilitate seawater access, thereby protecting existing mangrove forests.