In the waters of West Papua, close to Kwatisore, a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) begins a slow descent through sunlit blue. Locally, these gentle giants are considered a sign of good fortune, and fishermen release them when accidentally caught – a stark contrast to industrial practices that kill millions of sharks annually. As the largest fish on Earth, whale sharks migrate vast distances yet remain vulnerable, now listed as Endangered due to overfishing and bycatch. This image, taken in 2024, captures both their majesty and the cultural respect that offers hope for their survival.