NTB Susun Zoning For Whale Shark Conservation Areas In Saleh Bay Sumbawa

A whale shark swims in the waters of Saleh Bay which is located on Sumbawa Island, West Nusa Tenggara. (ANTARA/HO-Yayasan Indonesian Conservation)

MATARAM - The Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is preparing a zoning plan for the Saleh Bay conservation area on the island of Sumbawa to protect the whale shark biota ecosystem there.

Head of the NTB Muslim Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service said zoning efforts pay attention to the balance between environmental conservation, tourism, and fishing activities.

"The Saleh Bay Zonation is an effort by the government together with all stakeholders to maintain the sustainability of whale shark biota," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, January 20.

The local government ensures that there are no slices with the fishermen's activity area in the construction of the space deliniation in Saleh Bay.

On January 16, 2025, the Indonesian Conservation Foundation together with regional apparatus organizations within the NTB Provincial Government held discussions on the most popular groups to prepare various alternative spaces according to community proposals, but approached the results of technical studies taking into account the existing utilization.

Muslims emphasize the importance of data-based justification in the zoning determination process. The scenario of dividing space deliniation is the basis for zoning in Saleh Bay.

Concrete data can simplify the discussion process in the discussion stage of groups that are included at the regional level, so that people can understand the steps taken transparently.

Teluk Saleh is an important habitat for whale sharks called Latin Rhincodon typus and is a major concern in efforts to preserve marine life in West Nusa Tenggara.

The Saleh Bay area covering an area of 1,459 square kilometers and a length of 282 kilometers that stretches from Dompu Regency to Sumbawa Regency is now the prima donna for tourists who want to see firsthand the activities of whale sharks.

"With the zoning plan, it is hoped that the ecosystem in the area can be maintained, as well as provide long-term benefits for the surrounding community," concluded Muslim.