Mataram, Jan. 21 -- The whale shark always presents a subtle irony. It's the largest fish in the world, reaching tens of meters in length, yet its movements are calm, and its behavior is docile.

In the waters of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), particularly Saleh Bay and its surroundings, the sighting of whale sharks is no longer uncommon. However, each sighting carries an important message about the state of the ocean, the relationship between humans and nature, and the policy choices that determine the future of the ecosystem.

The stranding of a whale shark on the coast of Satonda Island, Bima District, in mid-January 2026, serves as a stark reminder that marine wildlife protection is never finished.

The animal survived and was successfully...