On a calm morning off the coast of Papua’s Bird’s Head Seascape, fishermen prepare their floating platforms known as bagan apung. As the nets dip into the water, a shadow the size of a small bus glides silently beneath. The fishermen pause, eyes fixed on the gentle giant—one of the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. For generations, Papuans have regarded these creatures with awe, but only recently has science begun to uncover the deeper story of their survival and the critical role Indonesia must play in ensuring it.
For more than 13 years, Indonesian and international scientists have conducted a landmark study into the population of whale sharks in Papua. From 2010 until 2023, they monitored their numbers, migration patterns, injuries, and behaviors across key sites like Teluk Cenderawasih, Kaimana, Raja Ampat, and Fakfak. What they found was both inspiring and alarming: Papua is a nursery ground for young whale sharks, but threats from human activities remain real. Their findings not only highlight Papua’s global ecological importance but also strengthen the Indonesian government’s commitment to protect marine biodiversity as part of its national agenda.
A Decade of Discovery
The study, led by marine biologist Edy Setyawan, identified at least 268 individual whale sharks through the careful use of photo-identification technology. Each shark’s unique constellation of spots was catalogued, creating a living record of Papua’s underwater residents. The results were extraordinary: Teluk Cenderawasih alone was home to 159 identified sharks, while Kaimana accounted for another 95. These weren’t transient visitors; many stayed long enough to form a bond with the waters themselves.
Some whale sharks returned year after year, with two individuals being observed for more than a decade. Their residency periods were unusually long compared to other parts of the world: an average of 77 days in Teluk Cenderawasih and 38 days in Kaimana. Such findings reinforce what local communities have long believed—that Papua’s coastal ecosystems are not simply passageways but critical sanctuaries for the survival of these gentle giants.
The Hidden Scars
Yet beneath this hopeful story lies another, more troubling reality. The research revealed that nearly 77 percent of the whale sharks bore injuries. Some had abrasions or scars from fishing gear, while others showed amputated fins or cuts caused by contact with boats. In Kaimana, the problem was even more pronounced, with more than 83 percent of the sharks displaying wounds.
While only a small percentage of these injuries came from boat propellers, the data makes clear that human activity—whether fishing, careless tourism, or collisions—is leaving permanent marks on these endangered animals. Such findings add urgency to Indonesia’s efforts to regulate marine activities while ensuring local livelihoods are not compromised.
A National Responsibility
Indonesia, with the world’s second-longest coastline and one of the richest marine ecosystems on earth, recognizes its responsibility in stewarding this biodiversity. The government has placed whale sharks under full protection, banning hunting and trade and committing to safeguard their habitats. Papua, in particular, is seen not only as a regional jewel but also as a keystone in Indonesia’s national conservation strategy.
Policies have been aligned with global commitments such as the Convention on Migratory Species and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). But beyond international frameworks, the government emphasizes the importance of local wisdom and participatory management. Fishermen who once saw whale sharks as competitors for bait fish are now increasingly involved in ecotourism initiatives, supported by training and education programs facilitated by ministries and conservation organizations.
Community and Science Working Hand in Hand
One of the government’s most important approaches has been to integrate local communities into whale shark conservation. In Papua, tourism centered on whale shark encounters has become an important source of livelihood. Fishermen, instead of fearing the loss of income, are discovering that protecting these giants brings long-term benefits. With government support, community members are now trained as eco-guides, monitoring assistants, and educators for visitors.
This is where Indonesia’s strategy shows vision: conservation is not about fencing off nature but about creating harmony between people and ecosystems. By promoting citizen science, where locals contribute to photo-identification and monitoring efforts, Indonesia is building a bridge between traditional livelihoods and modern scientific practice.
Beyond Tourism: Stronger Regulations
The government also recognizes that ecotourism alone cannot solve the problem. Stricter regulations are being implemented to ensure safe practices around whale sharks. Guidelines now exist for how boats should approach these animals, how long tourists may swim near them, and even the types of nets used in fisheries. Plans are underway to redesign Bagan fishing platforms to eliminate sharp edges, reducing the risk of injury to passing sharks.
In addition, Indonesian authorities are supporting the development of a centralized photo-identification database, where data collected by scientists, tourists, and locals can be integrated. This system will not only help track individual sharks but also provide policymakers with the evidence needed to enforce stronger protections.
Why Papua Matters Globally
The significance of Papua’s whale shark population extends far beyond Indonesia. Across the Indo-Pacific, whale shark populations have plummeted by more than 60 percent. For a species that can grow up to 18 meters in length and live over a century, such declines are devastating. The fact that Papua still hosts a vibrant, juvenile population means it could serve as a last refuge, a nursery where the species has a fighting chance to recover.
This reality places Indonesia in a unique position on the world stage. Protecting whale sharks in Papua is not just a local responsibility; it is a contribution to global biodiversity conservation. It underscores the government’s message that Indonesia is not only a custodian of its own natural heritage but also a partner in safeguarding the planet’s ecological future.
The Road Ahead
The findings of the 13-year study serve as both a warning and a guide. They show that while Papua remains a sanctuary, it is not immune to threats. Indonesia’s government is already responding with initiatives that combine science, policy, and community engagement. But the road ahead requires vigilance.
Future strategies include expanding marine protected areas, investing in satellite tracking technologies, and strengthening collaboration with international partners. The government is also committed to aligning conservation with development—ensuring that as Papua grows economically, its marine ecosystems are not sacrificed but celebrated.
A Shared Legacy
Standing at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, Papua’s whale sharks symbolize a larger story about Indonesia itself. A nation of thousands of islands, millions of people, and boundless seas, Indonesia is learning to balance growth with guardianship. The government’s support for whale shark conservation in Papua demonstrates that environmental protection and economic progress need not be rivals but allies.
As the sun sets over Teluk Cenderawasih, a fisherman leans on his bagan, watching as another whale shark glides past. It is both a familiar sight and an extraordinary one—a reminder of what is at stake and of the shared duty to protect it. For the people of Papua, for Indonesia, and for the world, these silent giants are more than marine curiosities. They are living testaments to resilience and to the promise that with care, science, and governance, nature’s wonders can endure.
Conclusion
Papua’s waters—especially Teluk Cenderawasih and Kaimana—are proven nursery grounds for whale sharks, making Indonesia one of the most important guardians of this endangered species.
The 13-year research highlights both hope (a stable juvenile population) and challenges (injuries from human activity). In response, the Indonesian government has taken clear steps to protect whale sharks—from full legal protection and stricter marine regulations to ecotourism programs and community engagement.
The broader message is that Indonesia is balancing conservation with development, showing the world that economic growth and biodiversity protection can coexist. By safeguarding whale sharks in Papua, Indonesia contributes not only to national heritage but also to global marine conservation.