Kajian Awal: Potret Populasi, Habitat, dan Nilai Ekonomi Hiu Paus untuk Pengembangan Kawasan Konservasi di Teluk Saleh, Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat (2017–2022)

This assessment shows that Teluk Saleh is one of Indonesia’s most important year-round habitats for juvenile whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), supporting at least ~108 identified individuals and functioning as a critical feeding and developmental area driven by seasonal upwelling, mangrove productivity, and lift-net fisheries. Despite its ecological importance and an estimated economic value of ~IDR 1.2 billion per year from whale shark tourism, only ~23% of identified whale shark aggregation hotspots are currently under formal protection, leaving key habitats exposed to fisheries pressure, vessel traffic, and unmanaged tourism. The study provides a strong scientific and socio-economic basis for establishing a whale shark–based conservation area in Teluk Saleh, integrating habitat protection, sustainable ecotourism, community co-management, and long-term financing mechanisms to support both population recovery and local livelihoods.

Authors:

Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra, Ismail Syakurachman, Abdi Hasan, Hanggar Prasetio, I Made Sanjaya, Edy Setyawan, Budiati Prasetiamartati

Publisher:

Konservasi Indonesia

Keywords:

whale shark, population assessment, habitat use, juvenile aggregation, critical habitat, marine protected area, whale shark ecotourism, economic valuation

Group Species:

Elasmobranch

Species:

Whale shark

Scale:

Saleh Bay

Year:

2025