Rare whale shark sighting in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU – A whale shark and some species of reef manta rays are back at Semporna’s Pom Pom Island on Sabah’s east coast, where these marine creatures are rarely seen.

Marine biologist and avid diver Jeethvendra Kirishnamorthie said he spotted a whale shark in the area in June 2023. Based on its body identification and markings, he believed that the whale shark has returned in search of food.

“This is exciting because I have not seen this species of shark appear here for about 10 years until last year,” he told The Star.

Mr Jeethvendra feels that the sudden appearance of more diverse species of marine life near Pom Pom Island could be due to the availability of food.

He said both whale sharks and manta rays are filter feeders, meaning they swim and open their mouths to capture drifting marine organisms such as krill, small fishes and invertebrates, jellyfish and a variety of other planktonic organisms.

“I think they are here right now because of the potential food trail there is at the moment. This is also corroborated by the appearance of more jellyfish and other planktonic organisms like fish larvae and small shrimps,” he added.

Mr Jeethvendra said the availability of food could also be correlated to potential upwelling (rise in deep water to the shallow surface). These deep waters are often full of nutrients as organisms decompose and fall to the seabed, nourishing the water.

The nutrients brought up to the surface can improve primary productivity as phytoplankton need them for photosynthesis, he said, adding that phytoplankton is subsequently consumed by other zooplankton, the food source for filter feeders like whale sharks and manta rays.

He said the arrival of such species to islands in Sabah is a good sign for the state’s marine ecosystem and tourism industry.

He added that while the diving community – which includes researchers like himself, divers, and tour and jetty operators – understands the importance of protecting marine life, much more can be done to increase awareness.

Mr Jeethvendra said locals in the area are from various backgrounds, comprising citizens and the stateless, as well as undocumented and illegal immigrants.

Due to pressing socioeconomic factors, he said many of them overlook the need to protect marine biodiversity in the area as they search for food to make a living and for their own consumption.

He said the matter should be addressed holistically, with the involvement of all stakeholders and the local marine community. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK