Jakarta, IO – Last weekend, the public was thrilled by a viral video uploaded by Intangram handle @jakut.info showing a shoal of whale sharks in Jakarta waters, reported Kompas, Tuesday (6/6).
The marine mammals made their appearance near a boat that carried the photographer.
Jakarta Food Security, Maritime Affairs and Agriculture (KPKP) Agency head Suharini Eliawati explained that the spotted whale sharks is often seen in Jakarta waters in recent years.
“It shows that this waters is one of their migration routes and feeding grounds,” said Suharini.
“This also proves that Jakarta waters is still liveable.” She appealed to the public and fishermen not to disturb these exotic, yet endangered marine mammal.
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“Please take caution so you don’t disturb them and certainly do not catch them,” explained Suharini.
Whale shark is a nationally protected aquatic mammal as per the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Decree issued in 2003. It is designated as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to the impacts of fisheries, by-catch losses and vessel strikes, combined with its long lifespan and late maturation. (un)