And No it was not us on the menu !

We are in Cenderwasih Bay, a place that has transformed from a hunting area of marine life to community based tourism with the largest fish on earth at its centre.

Bagans are fishing stations in the deep ocean. They fish on lift-net platforms. Some of the smaller fish get thrown back and there you have it, the whale sharks have cottoned on to this free all -you -can -eat buffet. They are mainly plankton feeders. Gentle, spotted beautiful giants and we had the joy of watching them feeding. Some mums and dads who are quite a size but also some juveniles. They glided quietly among us goggled eyed onlookers and of course unleashed considerable mayhem as some appeared to be coming for us, others swam directly under us or skimmed past our sides. They are terrifyingly attractive if you know what I mean. Each one uniquely identifiable by its spots behind its left pectoral fin. They are very large and when faced with one coming at you mouth open, it is understandable that they generate ‘rabbit in headlights’ looks and much back flipper action. You can participate in citizen science and photograph that particular area on their body and send it in to sharkbook.ai

The challenge is of course to be able to position yourself just so to take the photo. They often have Remora cleaner fishes swimming with them. Here are a few free photos which give you a good idea of what I am talking about.

We had no cameras and just enjoyed the immense blue of the deep ocean, the sunlight revealing the plankton rich nutrients within it. They love their extra breakfasts and of course we do too.

The community gains a lot in the process living in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world.

Tomorrow’s blog is over on the mainland of West Papua visiting a small village of some 600 inhabitants called Kwatisore.