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REVIEW
Contents Vol 31(4)

Ecology, conservation, and future perspective of walking sharks (Hemiscyllium spp.) in Indonesia

  Fahmi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3199-7467 A * , Y. Putra https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9223-4829 B , S. Oktaviyani https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3375-8240 A , Y. Jutan C D , A. S. Haris C and F. Jamlaay E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency, Pademangan 14430, Jakarta, Indonesia.

B Research Center for Conservation of Marine and Inland Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong 16911, Bogor, Indonesia.

C Morotai Regency Marine and Fisheries Service of Morotai, Morotai, North Maluku, Indonesia.

D Politeknik Perdamaian Hamahera, Tobelo, North Maluku, Indonesia.

E Hein Namotemo University, Tobelo, North Maluku, Indonesia.

* Correspondence to: fahmi@brin.go.id

Handling Editor: Mike Calver

Pacific Conservation Biology 31, PC24088 https://doi.org/10.1071/PC24088
Submitted: 22 November 2024  Accepted: 27 May 2025  Published: 16 June 2025

© 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing

Abstract

Context

Walking sharks (Hemiscyllium spp.), native to the Indo–Pacific region, are small, benthic elasmobranchs that exhibit unique fin-assisted locomotion to ‘walk’ along the ocean floor using their fins. Although those species are not primary fishery targets, they face significant threats from fishing, habitat degradation, and exploitation for the international aquarium trade. Conservation efforts have advanced, notably with the full legal protection of all Hemiscyllium species under Indonesia’s Ministerial Decree in 2023.

Methods

This review examines the ecology, fishery utilisation, and conservation status of Hemiscyllium species, focusing on Hemiscyllium freycineti and Hemiscyllium halmahera in Indonesia. Information were provided from literature reviews, government regulations and policies, interviews, and field observations.

Key results

Raising public awareness on the protection status of walking sharks are needed in several locations where exploitation is taking place. The development of walking shark tourism can be one of the non-extractive utilisation efforts that may gain economic benefits for local communities. In addition, captive breeding development program can be a solution for population restoration and fulfilling the need for marine ornamental fish industry.

Conclusion

Efforts to protect walking sharks must encompass comprehensive management strategies that involve local communities, government regulations, and international cooperation. The expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), habitat restoration, and developing captive breeding programs in Indonesia are essential to the sustainability of the walking shark populations.

Implications

This paper advocates for integrated conservation strategies, including habitat rehabilitation, adaptive fisheries management, and community-based ecotourism, to ensure the long-term viability of walking shark populations in Indonesia.

Keywords: captive breeding, exploitation, Halmahera, Hemiscyllium freycineti, Hemiscyllium halmahera, protection, Raja Ampat, restoration.

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