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Abstract. Djunaidi A, Jompa J, Nadiarti N, Bahar A, Tilahunga SD, Lilienfeld D, Hani MS. 2020. Analysis of two whale shark watching destinations in Indonesia: status and ecotourism potential. Biodiversitas 21: 4511-4523. Botubarani in Gorontalo, on the northern coast of Tomini Bay and Labuhan Jambu in Teluk Saleh, Sumbawa recently became whale shark tourism destinations in Indonesia. Both sites offer visitors opportunities to interact with whale sharks, either watching from canoes or snorkelling and diving. In this study, we investigated the status and ecotourism potential of whale shark watching as a form of marine wildlife tourism development in eastern Indonesia by examining the existing operations in both sites. Data were collected using questionnaires administered to local community members and visitors to understand their perceptions, and how this opportunity was valued. Secondary data were collected to explore and understand influencing factors. Findings revealed that whale sharks commonly emerge near bagan lift-nets and other interactive areas as a response to the presence of their favorite prey, anchovies, and rebon shrimp. In general, whale sharks most commonly visit bagan lift nets and can be found in the interaction areas in the morning and stay for couple of hours before swimming away to deeper waters. Out of 119 community respondents in Labuhan Jambu village (Teluk Saleh) and Botubarani, Gorontalo, 80.7% knew about the occurrence of whale sharks in their locality. Of the 111 visitor respondents, 67.6% knew about the whale shark watching sites from word of mouth. The study results also suggest a correlation between chlorophyll-a concentration, anchovies, rebon shrimp and whale sharks. Regarding management approaches to this type of tourism, a local community-based management model is strongly recommended, with 87.4% of respondents showing interest in this approach. The roles and responsibility of local government in developing such tourism is very significant, especially with respect to facilitating appropriate competency within the local community throughout training and education, as suggested by nearly 26% of respondents.

Whale shark tourism is a growing industry in the world. This study aimed to determine the benefits local people earn from whale shark tourism at two sites in Indonesia, Botubarani in Gorontalo Province and Labuhan Jambu, Teluk Saleh, Nusa Tenggara Barat Province. This study involved dive centres, fishermen, community tourism groups, village enterprises (BUMDES), home stay owners, car rental companies, boat owners, lift net owners, snorkelling equipment rental businesses and ecotourism operators. In Botubarani, dive centres sold whale shark watching dive trips for US$42.3/pax, and snorkelling trips for US$23/pax, of which, US$4.6 and US$2.7 went to the Pokdarwis, and US$33.5 to the dive centre. For nondivers, trips cost US$11.5, of which US$1.5 was for whale shark bait, US$1.5 went to the Pokdarwis, and US$4.6 to fishermen. Whale shark watchers in Labuhan Jambu paid US$211.5-US$270 to ecotourism operators plus US$7.7/pax to the BUMDES. From that money, US$119 was paid to lift net owners, US$42 to boat operators, and US$19.2-US$76.9 to ecotourism operators. On average, car rental companies received US$46.1, home stays received US$7.6, and US$11.5 was paid for rental equipment.