Stakeholder dynamics in Whale Shark Conservation: A social-economic analysis of marine tourism in Botubarani Beach, Gorontalo, Indonesia

Abstract Indonesia’s marine biodiversity is highlighted by the presence of whale sharks ( Rhincodon typus ), the largest fish species averaging 9.7 meters in length and 9 tons in weight, which appear in only 4-5 locations nationwide. Botubarani Beach in Gorontalo, Indonesia has recently become one such site, hosting around six whale sharks since 2018. Since 2013, the existence of whale sharks is protected under the Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia. Their appearances in Botubarani Beach creates a new model of marine tourism, which includes activities like diving, snorkelling, and surfing that are managed by various stakeholders. As human activity around the whale shark increases, the interests of the various stakeholders in managing Botubarani Beach as both a tourist destination and a whale shark conservation area have the potential to conflicting with each other. This research is conducted by field observation and in-depth interview with several key stakeholders in whale shark’s conservation area. Qualitative data are analysed using stakeholder analysis by mapping each level of interest and power of influence. And then, by participation analysis resulting there are social dynamics driving the growing of whale shark tourism. The findings reveal several contradictory viewpoints among various stakeholders to sustain the conservation area with or without the appearance of the whale sharks themselves.