TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The discovery of 18 individuals of the ancient coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis) in the waters of Talise Island, North Sulawesi, strengthens evidence that Indonesia is a critical habitat for one of the world's rarest marine species.
The research results provide a scientific basis for strengthening conservation efforts, including the proposed establishment of a special conservation area projected to develop into a world-class conservation site.
The findings were presented by Alex Masengi of Sam Ratulangi University, along with Augy Syahailatua, a researcher at the Biosystematics and Evolution Research Center at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), at the "Marine Futures Unlocked 2: From Insight to Impact" Symposium at the BRIN Gatot Subroto Grand Ballroom in Jakarta on Thursday, July 23.
The research results indicate that Talise Island holds crucial ecological value for the survival of the coelacanth. This latest finding further confirms Indonesia's position as a key habitat for this ancient species, which has survived for approximately 400 million years.
According to Alex, coelacanth research in Indonesia has been ongoing for more than two decades. Since its inception in 2004, the research team has identified at least 52 coelacanth individuals in Indonesian waters, as well as four individuals in South Africa through international collaboration. Various expeditions have been conducted to uncover the habitat, distribution, and biological characteristics of the species.
"For 20 years of research, we have continuously strived to understand the life of coelacanths in their natural habitat. The latest findings demonstrate that Indonesia plays a crucial role in the conservation of this species," said Alex, as quoted in a written statement on Monday, July 27, 2026.
One of the most significant achievements was achieved through a collaborative expedition by BRIN, OceanX, and NHK, which re-explored an underwater cave on Talise Island. The location, first studied in 2009, had previously recorded only four coelacanth individuals. In the latest survey, the team successfully documented 18 individuals, including 11 found living in a single cave.
This discovery marks a significant milestone in the history of coelacanth research in Indonesia because it provides a more comprehensive picture of the species' habitat use. The research team also documented a juvenile coelacanth measuring approximately 26 centimeters in Amurang Bay, providing new clues regarding its reproduction and population sustainability.
The study also confirmed that the coelacanth's habitat in Indonesia stretches from Biak, Papua, to Buol, Central Sulawesi. This distribution indicates that Indonesian waters are a key area for the survival of this ancient species.
To uncover little-known aspects of coelacanth biology, the researchers utilized various modern technologies, including environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches, which allow species identification through genetic traces in aquatic environments.
Furthermore, a CT scan of one specimen revealed 22 eggs inside the fish, providing crucial information about coelacanth reproduction.
"The success of finding 11 individual coelacanths in one cave, with the CT scan showing 22 eggs, is a very valuable achievement for understanding the biology and reproduction of this species," said Alex.
Augy Syahailatua emphasized that these findings further reinforce the urgency of protecting the coelacanth habitat on Talise Island. According to him, the area is being prepared to become a special conservation area through public consultation, discussions with the local government, and coordination with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
"Coelacanth conservation not only aims to protect endangered species, but also supports the development of conservation-based scientific research, education, and ecotourism. The presence of coelacanths provides a significant opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen its position as a global center for marine biodiversity research," said Augy.
He explained that the process of establishing a conservation area has entered a crucial stage. In July 2026, the North Sulawesi Provincial Government submitted approval documents to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to designate the waters of Talise Island as a conservation area or coelacanth habitat reserve park.
After the national conservation area designation is complete, he said, the government, along with researchers, plans to propose the Talise Island coelacanth habitat as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. "The area is located in the Coral Triangle, known as one of the most important centers of marine biodiversity in the world," he said.
A series of coelacanth research studies spanning more than 20 years demonstrates that scientific exploration not only yields new knowledge about the population, habitat, and reproduction of this ancient species but also provides scientific evidence that informs conservation policy development. "These findings are expected to form the foundation for the sustainable protection of coelacanths and Indonesia's deep-sea ecosystems," he said.
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