Inp.polri.go.id - Mataram. Scientists have confirmed on Tuesday (16/12/2025) the discovery of a newborn whale shark in Saleh Bay, northern Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, strengthening evidence that the area may function as a birthing and nursery ground for the world’s largest fish. 

“Scientifically, this is a very strong signal indicating that Saleh Bay likely serves as a pupping and nursery area for whale sharks,” said Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra, the Focal Species Conservation Senior Manager at Conservation International Indonesia, referring to peer-reviewed publication in the journal Diversity.

The neonatal whale shark measured an estimated 135–145 centimeters, an extremely rare size class globally, based on documented growth curves. 

Observations by local fishers between August and September 2024 recorded repeated sightings of juvenile sharks in the same area. 

Researchers say the discovery helps address a long-standing mystery about where whale sharks give birth and highlights Saleh Bay’s critical ecological importance.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)