What unique feeding behavior attracts whale sharks to Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia?
Answer
Congregating under traditional fishing platforms known as bagans
Cenderawasih Bay in Indonesia offers an exceptionally unique interaction driven by human activity. Here, whale sharks are observed congregating directly beneath structures called *bagans*, which are traditional fishing platforms. These sharks feed on the small fish that become trapped in the nets associated with these platforms. This ecological interaction, linked to a specific, localized food source provided by the fishermen, is fundamentally different from the open-ocean feeding observed in most other locations, and local lore even suggests the sharks bring good luck to the fishers.
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