Whale Shark Wounded Allegedly Caused by Propeller

NUSA PENIDA, WONDERFUL NUSA PENIDA

In a week, residents reported twice appearance of whale shark around Nusa Penida’s marine conservation area. First looked on Thursday, 23 June in Manta Point area, then on Saturday, 25 June 2016 whale shark founded close to Buyuk Port. Unfortunately, the whale shark was reportedly injured, allegedly by boats propeller. Whale sharks are classified as a rare species, seem to become endangered if there is no regulation and action to protect them.

Officer Agency Management of Coastal and Marine Resources of Denpasar, Yudi Permana said the verification team had been sent for collecting data. Directorate General Management of Marine Space gave respond and ordered to to do limited meeting among all stakeholders.

“We did coordination in Lembongan yesterday about the case, on Thursday, 30 June with Lembongan Marine Association, Coral Triangle Center, dive operators and The Management of Marine Conservation Area,” he said on confirmation, Friday morning (1/7).

“Based on the analysis of photos and video captured, some injuries found on top of head, back right fin, and bleed on tail, severe enough. From the form of wound, most of us agree it was caused by boat propeller,” he added.

Nusa Penida’s Marine Conservation Area covers area more than 20,000 hectares which belong global coral triangle. The marine is rich of coral and underwater biodiversity includes sun fish, manta ray and dolphin. Divers all over the world come for diving, it may be blessing to support the local economy or could be disaster for the nature. Some tourist attraction should obey the code of conduct of watching over the protected animals, which are prone to extinction.

“Divers and dive operators should know code of conduct on how to interact with the animal in safe way both. The boats route must be regulated as well,” remind Wira Sanjaya Outreach Site Manager Coral Triangle Center.

Reporter: Gede Sumadi