Home / Environment / Sharks Walk the Reefs of Raja Ampat
Sharks Walk the Reefs of Raja Ampat
12 Nov
Summary
- Epaulette sharks use fins to walk on the seafloor in Raja Ampat.
- Local 'sasi' custom helps preserve marine biodiversity and fish populations.
- Raja Ampat boasts 75% of world's coral species and 1,700 reef fish.
Off the coast of New Guinea, in Indonesia's Raja Ampat archipelago, unique epaulette sharks have been observed using their fins to walk across the sea floor during low tide. These small, spotted sharks are primarily found in the Raja Ampat area. Over a 14-month period, researchers identified hundreds of these sharks near Arborek island.
The region's rich marine life is supported by a local tradition called 'sasi,' where sections of the reef are closed to fishing to allow stocks to recover. This custom, combined with government-established marine protected areas, has led to significant biodiversity. Raja Ampat is recognized globally for its underwater treasures, including 75 percent of the world's coral species and about 1,700 kinds of reef fish.
Visitors can easily spot walking sharks and diverse marine life, including reef manta rays and abundant fish species, through snorkeling and diving. Conservation efforts have been successful since 2012 when Raja Ampat became a sanctuary for sharks and rays. The area offers various tourism options, from homestays to cruises, with peak travel recommended between October and April.
Access to Raja Ampat involves flying to Sorong, then taking a ferry to Waisai. International visitors aged 12 and above must purchase marine park permits, costing approximately 1.7 million IDR (around $94 USD as of October 2026), contributing to the preservation of this vital ecosystem.
