WHALE SHARKS MUST BE PROTECTED FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN GORONTALO by Fardah

     Jakarta, May 17, 2016 (Antara) - Regular sightings of some 17 whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are a blessing for tourism in Gorontalo Province, but the presence of tourists and boats should not endanger the lives of the gentle giant fish.

         The whale shark sightings in the Botubarani waters, Kabila Bone, Bone Bolango District, Gorontalo Province, have attracted many domestic as well as foreign tourists who come visiting Gorontalo, also known for its amazing under-water biodiversity which some divers term "one of Sulawesi's best-kept-secrets."
     After diving in the Botubarani waters and personally interacting with several whale sharks, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti urged the residents of Botubarani village to protect and to not over exploit the mammals. 

     "I appeal to you to not destroy the phenomena of 17 whale sharks in Gorontalo. Because as we intensify tourism, we must not injure the whale sharks while we watch, approach and appreciate them," she said in Gorontalo, May 14.

        She urged visitors and locals to keep a distance from the whale sharks. Under Decree No. 18 Year 2013 of the maritime affairs and fisheries ministry, whale sharks are a protected species.

       The minister expressed her concern over whale sharks that are wounded when they bump into boats carrying tourists. 

ENJOYING WHALE SHARK SIGHTINGS IN GORONTALO by Fardah

 Jakarta, April 23, 2016 (Antara)- Playing with gentle but giant whale sharks in open sea is not just a dream for animal lovers  while scuba diving or boating in Gorontalo waters in Sulawesi, where daily whale shark sightings are common currently.

        Up to six or seven whale sharks usually approach the boats in Gorontalo waters, in expectation of some food. 
   The giant fish have been spotted in the same spot in the last two years as a nearby shrimp factory has been throwing its unwanted shrimp shells and heads into the ocean.  
   "The whale sharks love to eat them. This means that whale shark sightings occur daily at this location," according to information provided by Miguel's diving center on http://miguelsdiving.com.

       The whale shark sightings have attracted many domestic as well as foreign tourists who come visiting Gorontalo, also known for its amazing under-water biodiversity which some divers term "one of Sulawesi's best-kept-secrets."
  Unfortunately, because the sharks are very gentle, many visitors try to touch them or take pictures too close to them.