Spatial modeling of whale shark protection using the marxan method in Saleh Bay, West Nusa Tenggara

Saleh Bay is a recurring aggregation area for whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). This study applied the Marxan decision-support tool to identify spatial conservation priorities based on whale shark sighting records and selected environmental and anthropogenic proxies, without explicitly modeling habitat suitability or preference. The inputs included sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentration, whale shark occurrences, fishing net distribution, and indicators of human activities. Three zoning scenarios, with increasing conservation targets, were evaluated. The scenario with the highest target identified a core priority area of 102,831.29 ha (50.13% of the study area), exceeding that of the lower-target scenarios. The resulting priority zones reflect the spatial patterns of whale shark aggregation and associated environmental conditions under the current observation data. These findings are intended to inform marine spatial planning by providing a precautionary basis for conservation decision making while accommodating existing coastal uses.