Scientists observed a shark "walking" across the ocean floor using its fins, this sighting could be good news for the declining marine species in Indonesia.
This is the third shark species that has been caught strolling across the sandy floor, a Conservation International reported.
The "walkers" use their pectoral and pelvic fins to navigate the ocean floor, munching on small bottom-dwelling fish and invertebrates along the way, NBC reported.
The sharks are found in Indonesia, which is the top exporter of dried shark fins and rays. They catch about 10 to 13 percent of the world's supply. Publicizing interesting shark species, like the walking shark, could help the animals bring in more revenue while alive than as dinner ingredients, Conservation International reported.
More Indonesians have been scuba diving, which has built a "fan base" for some of the more lovable aquatic creatures. The Indonesian government has also acknowledged the animal's importance, both for the ocean's ecosystems and the country's wallet.
"The [epaulette] shark, which has the endearing quality of using its fins to 'walk' across the ocean floor, calls attention to the fact that the vast majority of Indonesia's elasmobranchs are harmless to humans and lead fascinating but little-known lives beneath the sea," Conservation International reported.
Indonesia ranks second in manta ray tourism globally, the critters bring in an average of $15 million in revenue very year, NBC reported.
"We now know, for instance, that a living manta ray is worth up to $1.9 million to our economy over the course of its lifetime, compared to a value of only $40 to $200 for its meat and gill rakers," Agus Dermawan, director of the Marine Conservation Directorate at the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries said, according to NBC.
Over the past year Indonesia opened their first shark and ray sanctuary. The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries also hosted the nation's first conservation symposium. The minister announced that Indonesia would implement new policies that will strive to protect a number of the country's precious species, Conservation International reported.
Some of the creatures on the list are: "oceanic manta rays, oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerheads."
WATCH:
