ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — A remarkable marine discovery in Indonesia has captured global scientific attention after researchers identified 18 individuals of the rare Coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis) in the waters of Talise Island, North Sulawesi, reinforcing Indonesia’s role as a key guardian of the world’s marine biodiversity.
The discovery provides new scientific evidence for strengthening conservation efforts to protect one of Earth’s oldest surviving species, often known as a “living fossil” because its lineage has existed for nearly 400 million years.
Scientists from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Sam Ratulangi University presented the findings at the Marine Futures Unlocked 2: From Insight to Impact symposium in Jakarta, highlighting the ecological importance of Talise Island as a critical habitat for Coelacanths.
The latest research has become a major milestone in Indonesia’s more than two-decade effort to understand and protect this mysterious deep-sea species.
Breakthrough Discovery in Talise Island’s Underwater Caves
Coelacanth research in Indonesia began in 2004. Since then, scientists have recorded at least 52 Coelacanth individuals across Indonesian waters, with additional findings through international research collaboration.
The most significant breakthrough came from a joint expedition involving BRIN, OceanX, and NHK, which explored underwater caves in Talise Island — an area first studied in 2009.
During the latest expedition, researchers documented 18 Coelacanth individuals, including 11 specimens living inside a single underwater cave. The finding offers unprecedented insight into the species’ habitat, behavior, and population dynamics.
Researchers also discovered a juvenile Coelacanth measuring around 26 centimeters in Amurang Bay, providing valuable clues about reproduction and the survival of future generations.
Science and Technology Unlock Coelacanth Secrets
Because much of the Coelacanth’s biology remains unknown, researchers have used advanced technologies such as environmental DNA (eDNA) to identify the presence of the species through genetic traces in seawater.
CT scan analysis of a specimen also revealed 22 eggs inside the fish, providing rare information about Coelacanth reproduction.
“The discovery of 11 individuals in one cave and evidence of 22 eggs from CT scan analysis are important achievements for understanding the biology and reproduction of this species,” said Professor Alex Masengi.
The research confirms that Coelacanth habitats in Indonesia extend from Biak in Papua to Buol in Central Sulawesi, demonstrating the country’s strategic importance in global marine conservation.
Indonesia’s Path Toward a World-Class Conservation Site
BRIN researcher Professor Augy Syahailatua said the findings strengthen the urgency of protecting the Coelacanth habitat in Talise Island.
The Indonesian government and researchers are preparing steps to establish the area as a special conservation zone through consultations with local authorities and coordination with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
“Coelacanth conservation is not only about protecting a rare species, but also about advancing scientific research, education, and conservation-based ecotourism,” Augy said.
In July 2026, the North Sulawesi provincial government submitted approval documents to designate Talise Island waters as a conservation area or Coelacanth habitat sanctuary.
After national conservation status is secured, Indonesia plans to propose the Talise Island Coelacanth habitat as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is located within the Coral Triangle, one of the planet’s richest marine biodiversity regions.
Protecting Indonesia’s Blue Heritage
The Coelacanth research journey over the past 20 years demonstrates how scientific exploration can support stronger environmental policies and long-term ecosystem protection.
The discovery of the Talise Island population not only adds to global knowledge about one of the world’s rarest marine species but also highlights Indonesia’s growing leadership in protecting ocean biodiversity. (AT Network)
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