Komposisi Hiu Paus Berdasarkan Jenis Kelamin dan Ukuran Serta Perilaku Kemunculannya di Kawasan Taman Nasional Teluk Cenderawasih

Abstract

Ecology and behavior of whale sharks are rarely known. Since 2011, whale sharks in Teluk Cenderawasih National Park (TCNP) have been a growing popular attraction for tourists because of the sharks' regular association with lift net fisheries (i.e., bagans). The research was aimed to identify sex and body size of each whale shark individual and their surface behavior in Cendrawasih Bay. The observation survey was conducted at bagan fishermen from April to July 2013 to document date, time, location, and number of whale sharks seen each day. A total of 36 males and 1 female were recorded during study period. The size was ranged between 3 to 6 meters, indicating that they were in immature age range. The highest emergence activity of whale sharks was found in the Sowa (76 times), followed by Kwatisore (51 times) and Yaur (7 times). It was indicated that the surface presence of whale sharks near bagans as part of their feeding behavior. This is indicated by the appearance of a whale shark was related to the number of catches of fishermen. Therefore, a better management of bagan fishing operations and tourist attractions are urgent to be implementing for ensuring the vitality of whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay National Park.