Tourists drawn to Indonesia’s whale sharks boost villagers’ earnings

In the village of Botubarani, located in the Gorontalo province of Indonesia, tourism has become a significant source of income for the locals. Once a remote area relying solely on fishing, the village has transformed into a hotspot for those interested in interacting with the world's largest fish species: whale sharks. Ansar Lasimpala, a 47-year-old villager, is one of around 80 people who have benefitted from the tourism boom.

He now earns up to 3 million rupiah (US$167) a month by offering boat rentals, diving services, and the use of drones. The popularity of whale sharks in the region surged after video clips showing a cluster of about a dozen of these fish appeared on social media in 2016. Visitors are often captivated by the size and uniqueness of the whale sharks, referring to them as Serli, an abbreviation of the Indonesian words "sering terlihat" or "often seen."

Despite their name, whale sharks are not whales; they are fish that breathe through gills. They can grow up to 18 meters long and live for up to 100 years, with a unique pattern on their dark or blue-grey skin. However, environmental groups raise concerns about the impact of constant feeding on the sharks' natural behavior and health.

Authorities have taken steps to limit feeding activities, such as developing a solar-powered marine attractor that uses light to attract plankton and the small fish that form the sharks' diet. Ansar emphasizes the importance of preserving the whale sharks for the well-being of the villagers.