Protecting Whale Sharks in Saleh Bay: Conservation Efforts and Tourism Management

Strategic Insights -

Saleh Bay in Sumbawa Island, West Nusa Tenggara, has been designated a marine conservation area due to the presence of whale sharks. The Marine and Fisheries Service has urged tourists to respect a safe distance of 5-10 meters from the endangered species to prevent direct contact and injury from ship propellers. Whale shark tourism is dependent on bagang fishermen, who fish in the area and attract the sharks with small fish and rebon shrimp. Research by Yayasan Konservasi Indonesia recorded 108 whale sharks in the area from 2017 to 2022, making it the second-largest habitat after Cenderawasih Bay in West Papua. The bay is also a nursery for young whale sharks, who are mostly male and average 6 meters in length.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Marine and Fisheries Service has set a safe distance of 5-10 meters between tourists and whale sharks to prevent direct contact and injury.
  • Whale shark tourism in Saleh Bay is dependent on bagang fishermen, who attract the sharks with small fish and rebon shrimp.
  • Research by Yayasan Konservasi Indonesia recorded 108 whale sharks in Saleh Bay from 2017 to 2022, making it the second-largest habitat after Cenderawasih Bay in West Papua.
  • Saleh Bay has been designated a marine conservation area due to the presence of whale sharks.
  • The bay is also a nursery for young whale sharks, who are mostly male and average 6 meters in length.
  • The provincial government is encouraging sustainable management of whale shark habitats to protect these resources for future generations.
  • The Marine and Fisheries Service is disseminating information on environmentally friendly tourism to prevent tourists from interacting with whale sharks.

Statistics:

  • 108 whale sharks were recorded in Saleh Bay from 2017 to 2022 (Source: Yayasan Konservasi Indonesia).
  • Cenderawasih Bay in West Papua has the largest whale shark population after Saleh Bay.
  • Whale sharks can migrate more than 15,000 kilometers and dive to a depth of 2,000 meters (Source: Yayasan Konservasi Indonesia).
  • Saleh Bay covers an area of 1,459 square kilometers and is a nursery for young whale sharks.
  • The average length of young whale sharks in Saleh Bay is 6 meters.

Sources:

  • Karim Marasabessy, Head of Aquaculture Division, Marine and Fisheries Service of West Nusa Tenggara.
  • Yayasan Konservasi Indonesia research on whale shark populations in Saleh Bay.
  • The provincial Marine and Fisheries Service of West Nusa Tenggara.