Wakatobi National Park Office and Joint Team Evacuate Whale Shark Carcass
Kendari (ANTARA) - The Wakatobi National Park Office (BTNW), alongside a joint team, has evacuated the carcass of a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) measuring nine metres in length, which had stranded in the waters of Matahora Village, South Wangi-Wangi District, Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.
“The handling of this stranded whale shark is the result of collaboration between various parties. We express our appreciation for the support and involvement of all stakeholders who worked together to manage this incident,” said the Head of the Wakatobi National Park Office, La Ode Ahyar Thamrin Mufti, when contacted in Kendari on Monday.
Ahyar explained that the whale shark, estimated to weigh approximately five tonnes, was first discovered by local residents.
Following the report, BTNW, in coordination with the local government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI/Polri), diving communities, the public, and development partners such as the Nusantara Conservation Nature Foundation (YKAN) and WWF Indonesia, immediately coordinated rescue efforts.
“However, extremely shallow water conditions, the distance from deep waters, and tidal dynamics were the primary obstacles in the evacuation process, ultimately resulting in the protected animal being unable to be saved and dying at the location,” he stated.
He revealed that after technical and environmental considerations, the team moved the whale shark carcass 700 metres from its original location to an area further from residential settlements before final disposal, in order to minimise environmental impact and disturbance to the local community.
At the same location, the Director of Species and Genetic Conservation of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Sarminto Hadi, praised the rapid response of BTNW and the joint team in handling the incident.
“Good synergy between stakeholders is key to ensuring that every management effort can be carried out quickly, accurately, and while still respecting conservation aspects,” said Sarminto.
The Head of Matahora Village, Saharuni, stated that residents and the village government assisted in the handling process since the animal was first found. For the people of Wakatobi, the sea and its biota are a source of life that must be protected together.
“The community and village government are concerned about this incident. Throughout the handling process, we and all village officials have consistently endeavoured to assist, both in terms of labour and resources, and continue to coordinate with officers in the field,” said Saharuni.
Meanwhile, the Senior Manager of Marine Protection at YKAN, Yusuf Fajariyanto, added that this incident serves as an important reminder of the need for preparedness, support for evacuation facilities, and long-term collaboration in maintaining the sustainability of the Wakatobi marine ecosystem.
“Through these lessons, all parties are strengthening their commitment to preserving the Wakatobi marine ecosystem as a habitat for diverse species and a source of livelihood for coastal communities,” he added.