Tourists, selfies and coastal monitoring during COVID-19

Citizen science in coastal ecosystems often involve (eco-)tourists that actively monitor reefs, species and pollution. Data collected by tourists, passively, was used to gain insight into landings of the largest fish, whale shark (Rhincodon typus), Pangandaran Bay, Indonesia. Monitoring illegal fishing halted due COVID-19 travel restrictions lockdowns. With two million, mainly Indonesian, tourists visiting Bay 2020 (30% less than 2019) enough were present record sharks. social media revealed reports 10 between August 2022. Seven July–August immatures 6–7 m length. The information passively provided since have given insights biology sharks, landing risks how communities interact with Feeding back this is challenging, yet vital, cement a sense belonging, purpose attachment their holiday location.