There aren’t many areas in Indonesia that serve as year-round habitats for whale sharks. Saleh Bay, located in the waters off Sumbawa Island, is one of them. These waters provide an abundant food source and also serve as a nursery area for whale sharks during the early stages of their lives. The strategic role of the Saleh Bay area was discussed in the talk show “FOMO-in: Whale Shark Learning Center in Saleh Bay,” which is part of the World Ocean Day & Coral Triangle Day 2026 series initiated by WWF-Indonesia in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).

Iqbal Herwata explained that Saleh Bay is a critical habitat for whale sharks because it provides an abundant food source, particularly for juvenile male whale sharks. This area is also known as a nursery for whale sharks, making it a location of critical importance for the species’ life cycle. Along with Cenderawasih Bay, Saleh Bay is a year-round habitat for whale sharks.

Various studies conducted in Saleh Bay further underscore the importance of this area. Through a satellite tagging program, the movements of more than 25 whale sharks have been monitored, and the majority continue to show a strong association with the Saleh Bay area. Research has also documented whale sharks remaining in the area for up to nine years. Another interesting finding was the discovery of a whale shark measuring approximately two meters in length, which represents a significant contribution to our understanding of the early life stages of whale sharks.

Despite their high ecological value, the relationship between humans and whale sharks has not always been positive. In the past, some fishermen viewed whale sharks as pests because their presence was believed to affect catch yields. As a result, several whale sharks sustained injuries from fishermen’s actions. One individual is even known to have permanent injuries on its body as a result of such an incident.

According to Iqbal, this situation has begun to change as public understanding of whale sharks and the benefits that can be derived from educational activities and ecotourism has increased. Growing public awareness has become one of the factors supporting conservation efforts in Saleh Bay.

The role of education has also been strengthened through the establishment of the Whale Shark Learning Center in Labuan Jambu Village. Umi Nurdianti explained that the facility was built to serve as a learning center about whale sharks, particularly since many of the locations where whale sharks appear are outside conservation areas. The Learning Center is expected to serve as a starting point for the public, students, researchers, and tourists who wish to gain a deeper understanding of whale sharks.

Various facilities are available within the Learning Center, including a “fun facts” wall, a “historical wall” featuring virtual reality technology, an interactive hub containing research information and tagging data, and a reading corner where visitors can deepen their knowledge of whale sharks. The Learning Center also provides information on scholarship opportunities and research related to whale sharks.

The discussion also touched on the development of whale shark ecotourism in Saleh Bay. According to the speakers, tourism activities are regulated by a number of guidelines that limit interaction with whale sharks. However, violations of these rules still occur, meaning that current ecotourism practices do not yet fully meet the expected ethical standards.

Through various research initiatives, educational programs, and community engagement, Saleh Bay plays a crucial role in whale shark conservation efforts in Indonesia. The discussion in this session also emphasized that protecting Saleh Bay means preserving a habitat that supports whale sharks year-round. Therefore, strengthening education, implementing responsible tourism management, and protecting the Saleh Bay ecosystem are vital components in ensuring the species’ sustainability in the future.