WWF: Shark and Manta Ray Tourism in Indonesia Can Generate Billions of Dollars

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The economic value of sharks would be greater if they were turned into tourism rather than fished. There is widespread awareness that sharks must be maintained in their waters to control the ecosystem.

WWF Indonesia's Marine and Fisheries Program Director, Imam Musthofa Zainudin, revealed this after the 4th National Symposium on Sharks and Rays at the Main Hall of the Multidisciplinary Laboratory Building, University of Indonesia, Depok, Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Imam also revealed that Indonesia is the largest shark fisher in the world. According to him, as much as 72 percent of the catch is obtained accidentally or bycatch when catching tuna. "Only 28 percent target sharks. They go to sea to look for sharks."

He hopes that the government will look at the composition—only 28 percent are dependent on shark fisheries—so that it can direct them to explore the economic value of the tourism sector. Mediation should be done with the 28 percent while looking for ways to reduce the 78 percent group.

"Billions of dollars can be generated from shark tourism," he said, adding, "Now there are whale sharks in Gorontalo, in the Derawan Islands, in Cendrawasih, and those who want to visit there are lining up there, but that also needs to be managed properly."

Imam pointed to diver tourists, who he said have a growing community. "If divers are happy to tell stories if they find sharks, that is the economy now. We must be wise in analyzing there," he said again.

Local residents or fishermen can obtain profits from the boat rental or lodging business. The same goes for other accommodation needs. "So that must be raised as an added value."

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), supported by the WWF Indonesia Foundation, will hold a symposium on sharks and rays in Indonesia.

In the symposium, Imam said that Indonesia has 400 conservation areas, which are less than 10 percent of Indonesian waters. He proposed that the areas be designated as marine protected areas and sharks should not be caught there.

Imam mentioned that there are still sharks that are not under protected status, such as whale sharks and mantas. "This means that at least we can save their habitat and population in areas that are indeed conservation. From a scientific perspective, the effect can be greater with that context," said Imam.

Regarding the shark and ray symposium organized by the Marine Biodiversity and Conservation of the MMAF itself, Imam considers it very useful for collecting data, information, experiences, challenges, and so on. Unfortunately, he added, it is only held every three years.

ZACHARIAS WURAGIL

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