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Indonesia records first neonatal whale shark in Saleh Bay

8/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Fishers alerted marine scientist Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra, leading to a neonatal whale shark being recorded in Saleh Bay at 04:30 on 6 September 2024.
The 5-ft (1.5-m), four-month-old shark is Indonesia’s first neonatal whale shark and one of only a few dozen worldwide.
Scientists say numbers have fallen by over half since the 1980s, urging protection of nurseries like Saleh Bay, whose krill-rich waters shield juveniles from blue sharks.

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Story summary

Fishers alerted marine scientist Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra, leading to a neonatal whale shark being recorded in Saleh Bay at 04:30 on 6 September 2024.
The 5-ft (1.5-m), four-month-old shark is Indonesia’s first neonatal whale shark and one of only a few dozen worldwide.
Scientists say numbers have fallen by over half since the 1980s, urging protection of nurseries like Saleh Bay, whose krill-rich waters shield juveniles from blue sharks.