Photo ID-based assessment of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) population in Kwatisore, Wondama Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

Background The presence of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in Wondama Bay has long been known and the species is an icon of this region. In addition to their enormous size, these sharks are not dangerous to or fearful of humans, so there has been growing interest in utilizing this animal for eco-tourism. Within Wondama Bay, whale sharks distribute in several regions, including Kwatisore waters. Since biological information on this species is lacking, the present study aimed to investigate the whale shark population using photo identification, frequency of appearance, sex, and scars on the body. The information obtained from this study is important for species conservation and management. Approach The research was performed in Kwatisore waters of Wondama Bay during 2010–2013, and continued from April to June 2014. Whale shark identification was based on photos taken by divers by plotting three reference points, i.e. the top of the fifth gill slit, the posterior-most point where the pectoral fin meets the body, and the bottom of the fifth gill slit (Brooks et al., 2010). During each encounter, the animals were length measured, sex was identified through the presence or absence of claspers, and the position of scars and wounds were determined on the body. Results The total number of whale sharks encountered in Kwatisore waters were 120 and 19 animals for the period of 2010–2013 and 2014, respectively. Based on ID pictures, the population was composed of 126 sharks consisting of 122 males and 4 females. With regard to 2014 observations, the animals were all males and were immature, as the average body length was 4 m. The greatest number of sharks was observed between 0600–1200 hours, during which time 80 individuals were seen on the surface. It was found that 58% of the population had scars and wounds, of which 34% were on the lips and 25% on the fins. Conclusions Data on IDs and body length of each individual, as well as sex composition, are important information for understanding whale shark population structure, and will benefit the conservation and management of these animals.

Occurrence of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in the Kwatisore Waters within the Cenderawasih Bay National Park as a basis for carrying capacity estimations and assessments for ecotourism suitability

“…The existence of whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay showed that some individuals remained in the area for 26 months, while others left for more than three months and then returned to Cenderawasih Bay [22]. Whale shark migration patterns in Kwatisore waters show local migration patterns, where individuals spend more time in Cenderawasih Bay waters.…”

“…A study during the period of January to December 2020 showed that there were 690 appearances of whale sharks in the morning, 135 appearances in the noon and 198 appearances in the afternoon with the conditions of Cenderawasih Bay sea surface temperature (SST) during 2020 around 28-33°C and chlorophyll-a is approximately from 0-12.96 mg/m 3 [8]. The time of the whale sharks' appearances at 06.00 WIT to 12.00 WIT are the best time to see them [22,16]. The aggregation of whale sharks in the lift net boat to consume the food provided by fishermen has a pattern of queuing system, where these individuals are switching their turn [8].…”

“…Whale sharks show three movement patterns, namely: 1) staying in Cenderawasih Bay; 2) going outside Cenderawasih Bay but remain in the nearby coastal area; and 3) going beyond Cenderawasih Bay and into deep offshore waters [20]. Whale sharks in Kwatisore waters with foraging behavior are 64%, playing 21% and crossing 15%, where whale sharks spend more time at a depth of 7-10 m [22]. The appearance of whale sharks in Kwatisore waters indicates the number of individuals is more than one and as a form of aggregation [24].…”

Penyadartahuan Terhadap Keberlanjutan Biota Laut Melalui Diseminasi Perlindungan Hiu Paus Di Wilayah Perairan Batang, Jawa Tengah

“…Kemunculan hiu paus di perairan Indonesia menjadi hal yang tidak asing bagi kalangan orang. Menurut (Kapinangasih et al, 2022;Suruan et al, 2020) kemunculan hiu paus dipengaruhi oleh keberadaan makanan di perairan sekitar (Murdani, 2017). Kemunculan hiu paus ini bisa menjadi manfaat bagi kalangan masyarakat pesisir seperti menjadi area ekowisata (Azizurrohman et al, 2021) di area setempat.…”