Human-Whale Shark Interaction: An Inquiry into Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) for Tourist in Papua and East Java

Abstract

The provision of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) protection status imposed us to formulate an effective interception Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) for the visitor as an effort to manage sustainable fisheries resources. The research was conducted using visual underwater survey (VUS) method and direct observation. The SOP formulation was effectively applied in Kwatisore (Papua) and Probolinggo (East Java) beach. However, the SOP was made differently due to the differences in the behavior of whale sharks and also the differences in the water conditions in both places. The groups of whale sharks in Kwatisore frequently interacted with humans. Besides, Kwatisore has also a clear beach that allows the visitor for diving and snorkeling while the Probolinggo beach has turbid water. As a result of those differences, the content of the SOP also was made distinctively. The SOP in Kwatisore summarized the procedure of touching prohibitions, using flash, making noise and safe distance for swimming with the whale shark, whereas the SOP in Probolinggo was made to control the number and speed of boats also the distance between the boat and the whale sharks while the visitor observes them.

Occurrence of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in the Kwatisore Waters within the Cenderawasih Bay National Park as a basis for carrying capacity estimations and assessments for ecotourism suitability

“…This was achieved by researchers swimming parallel to the whale shark and estimating its size. The percentage distribution of whale shark sizes was calculated using the formulas [6,10]. n (1) %N =…”

“…The maximum time limit aims to not interfere the presence of whale sharks. The ecological potential of visitors is determined based on Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) [10] for interacting with whale sharks, where the number of visitors for unit of lift net boat is 6 people with 1 guide.…”

Tingkah Laku dan Kemunculan Hiu Paus (Rhincodon typus, Smith 1828) di Pantai Bentar Probolinggo

“…Kondisi perairan di Pantai Bentar tidak mendukung adanya kegiatan snorkeling, sehingga aturan yang dapat diterapkan berupa pemberian jarak aman perahu. Hal ini sesuai dengan penelitian Imam et al (2019), dimana SOP yang disusun di Pantai Bentar hanya menjaga jarak aman perahu tidak kurang dari 5 meter dari Hiu Paus dan tidak diperbolehkan lebih dari dua kapal wisata dalam satu pelayaran.…”

“…Jarak berenang bersama Hiu Paus yang sesuai dengan SOP, yaitu minimal 5 meter. Hal ini juga dijelaskan dalam penelitian Imam et al, (2019), bahwa jarak aman mengamati satu ekor Hiu Paus dari badan 3 meter dan dari ekor sejauh 5 meter.…”

“…Pernyataan ini pun didukung oleh penelitian yang dilakukan Rowat dan Udo (2007), karena kemunculan Hiu Paus yang terjadi secara teratur di Seychelles dijadikan sebagai sumberdaya ekowisata yang potensial. Menurut penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Imam et al (2019), kegiatan wisata Hiu Paus yang dilakukan di Pantai Kwatisore, Nabire adalah snorkeling bersama Hiu Paus dengan syarat harus memiliki lisensi menyelam dan harus menjaga jarak minimal 3 meter dari Hiu Paus. Pengunjung di lokasi ini juga di informasikan tidak boleh menyentuh dan memberi makan Hiu Paus serta berfoto dengan menggunakan flash.…”