Indonesia is a country blessed with rich marine ecosystems. Its crystal clear waters are one of the few places in the world where you can find whale sharks swimming beneath the waves year-round. These gentle giants of the sea are the largest species of fish in the world, with adults generally growing to about 30 feet in length. However, the very largest can grow up to a whopping 60 feet.

Being such a colossal size has unfortunately placed a target on their back in the past, hunted for their meat and fins, causing their population to decline rapidly around the islands of Indonesia. Today, thanks to the efforts of local communities and conservationists, the story of Indonesia’s whale sharks has become one of conservation success.

“Different cultures across Indonesia call them by different names. Here in Flores, they refer to it as the god’s fish, while some other islands call it the starry shark,” Lectured Iki, our tour guide. “Many believe the sharks bring good luck with fishing, and there are stories of them rescuing fishermen from the sea.” I wondered why the local whale shark population had experienced a significant decline, even when so many Indonesian cultures revered them. “Fishermen would hunt the sharks to sell,” explained Iki, “parts of the body, like the fins, can be sold for a lot of money. When a fisherman is desperate, he will go to extreme lengths to provide for himself and his family.”

Despite many indigenous cultures regarding whale sharks as sacred animals, historically, they have been targeted for food and trophy fishing. During the last 75 years, their numbers have decreased by more than 50%, with the IUCN designating the species as vulnerable in 1999 due to the significant drop in population. Eventually, the Indonesian government realised the gravity of the situation and declared whale sharks a protected species, outlawing all fishing and trade.

The decision to ban the hunting of whale sharks forced many communities that once relied on the now-illegal practice’s income to find alternative ways of making a living. Fishermen from local villages were introduced to ecotourism, becoming tour guides for visitors who want to swim with whale sharks in their natural habitat. No longer reliant on hunting, these fishermen became protectors of the gentle giants, educating tourists on the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures and their habitats.