22 July 2025
The Obi Fishing Tournament 2025 organized by Harita Nickel on June 14-15 brought an unexpectedly meaningful moment in marine conservation. One participant, Zulfikri R. Salim, caught a tiger shark, an apex predator not listed among the competition’s targeted species. Following sustainable fishing practices enforced by the tournament regulations, the shark was immediately released back into its natural habitat.
The organizers awarded Zulfikri with a special recognition, the "Unique Catch" category, highlighting not only the sportsmanship and compliance of participants with sustainable fishing rules but also sending a powerful message about the importance of marine life conservation around Obi Island.
“The presence of tiger sharks indicates a balanced marine ecosystem that continues to support large marine species. This is an essential positive indicator for us as we strive to operate responsibly and sustainably,” explained Aldico Satria Ganesa, Marine Ecology Foreman at Harita Nickel.
The richness of Obi Island’s marine biodiversity is further demonstrated by the discovery of other significant species during marine ecology monitoring around Kawasi Village waters. Notably, the Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), a giant reef fish capable of reaching lengths of up to two meters and weighing up to 190 kilograms, inhabits these waters.
Known for being docile and often approaching divers, the Napoleon wrasse has a unique characteristic: it's a hermaphroditic species, capable of changing sex from female to male. It also plays a vital role as a natural predator of sea urchins and crown-of-thorns starfish, two species that can damage reefs if their populations are uncontrolled.
There's also the green humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), locally known as "ikan mami" or "tabongkula." This largest parrotfish species is known for its strong teeth and head, capable of biting and crushing dead coral into white sand grains. Though rarely seen, specimens over three feet long are still occasionally encountered in Obi's waters, indicating that the coral reef conditions in this area remain supportive of large species sensitive to environmental pressure.
"The underwater beauty of West Obi Island is like a mesmerizing natural gallery. This area is also an important habitat for various key species, such as Napoleon wrasse, groupers, and reef sharks, indicating a well-maintained ecosystem," Aldico added.
With such extraordinary biodiversity, Harita Nickel remains firmly committed to operating responsibly and sustainably, supporting conservation initiatives for a better future in Obi Island.
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