Raja Ampat Research Articles

Training on Making Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) to Increase Income in Friwen Village, Raja Ampat Regency

In Friwen Village, there is no VCO production yet, even though this village has great coconut potential. Therefore, it requires socialization in the community on how to process coconut into VCO. This activity aims to increase the income of the village community, namely the community in Friwen Village, South Waigeo District, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua Province. The method used is counseling and the practice of processing diversified coconut-based products. The method for making VCO is fishing, namely by adding some of the finished VCO, which separates the cream of coconut milk from the resulting VCO oil. The results obtained are that partners can produce VCO independently and have knowledge of natural potential that can be utilized to make VCO. After this service, the village community realizes the importance of processing agricultural products to increase income and market their products around the Raja Ampat area.

Application of x-means alghorithm for district/city clustering based on povetry rate in Maluku Islands and Papua

Based on the Central Statistics Agency in 2022, the percentage and number of poor people according to islands in March 2022 explained that the largest number of poor people are on Maluku Island and Papua, 19.89 percent. This research used data mining techniques with the X-Means Clustering method. The data in this study was taken from the website of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Maluku, North Maluku, Papua, and West Papua consisting of 63 regencies/cities with 8 variables. Then all the data was processed with Rapidminner and produced 3 clusters, namely cluster 0 consisting of Buru, Western Seram, Central Halmahera, Sula Islands, South Halmahera, North Halmahera, East Halmahera, Morotai Island, Jayapura, Nabire, Biak Numfor, Paniai, Pucak Jaya, Mimika, Tolikra, Nduga, Puncak and Manokwari. Cluster 1 consists of Tanimbar Islands, Southeast Maluku, Aru Islands, Eastern Seram, Southwest Maluku, South Buru, Tual, West Halmahera, Taliabu Island, Ternate, Tidore Islands, Yapen Islands, Boven Digoel, Mappi, Asmat, Star Mountains, Sarmi, Keerom, Waropen, Supiori, Mamberamo Jaya, Central Mamberamo, Yalimo, Dogiyai, Intan Jaya, Deiyai, Fakfak, Kaimana, Wondama Bay, Bentuni Bay, South Sorong, Sorong, Raja Ampat, Tambrauw, Maybrat, South Manokwari and Arfak Mountains and cluster 2 consisting of Central Maluku, Ambon, Merauke, Jayawijaya, Yahukimo, Lanny Jaya, Jayapura City, and Sorong City.

Relationship between Coral Fish Community Structure with Chlorophyll-A Content and Sea Surface Temperature in the Conservation Area Suaka Alam Perairan (SAP) Raja Ampat, West Papua

The The waters of Raja Ampat have a healthy coral reef ecosystem and a wide variety of species so it has a high abundance of coral reef fish. One of the indicators of fertility level in water is chlorophyll-a and its high and low are influenced by sea surface temperature. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between chlorophyll-a content and sea surface temperature using satellite imagery data on the community structure of reef fish in the waters of SAP Raja Ampat. The coral reef fish data collection method used UVC (Underwater Visual Census) while the chlorophyll-a content and sea surface temperature used spatial analysis. The results showed that the reef fish diversity index value was 4,1 - 4,6 in the high category, uniformity 0,88-0,96 in the high category, dominance 0,014 - 0,026 in the low category, for abundance 244.340 ind/ha – 403.520 ind/ha and biomass 131,45 kg/ha - 204 kg/ha. The chlorophyll-a content obtained was 0,366 mg/m3 – 0,511 mg/m3 and the sea surface temperature obtained was 30,717°C – 31,899°C. The results of the relationship of reef fish community structure with chlorophyll-a content and sea surface temperature do not have a significant correlation.

Penerbangan dan Wisata: Travel Bubble dan Koridor Transportasi di Masa Pandemi

The purpose of this study is to examine Indonesia's readiness in implementing the Travel Bubble, map which countries are most appropriate for a travel bubble based on the covid case that occurs and to map safe transportation corridors to leading tourist destinations in Indonesia. The research method used is qualitative research method by describing statistical data to draw conclusions, the data used are secondary data published by related organizations and previous research data related to this research. The results of this study explain that Indonesia is still not ready for the existing conditions, it needs other adjustments, while the best countries for a travel bubble with Indonesia are China, Singapore, the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. Covid-19 free transportation corridors that can be mapped are the Yogyakarta - Bali - Lombok - Komodo Island corridor, the Bali - Toraja corridor via Makassar and the Bali - Raja Ampat corridor via Biak

Study on Bacteriological Measurement of Clean Water in Raja Ampat

The availability of clean water is a right that must be obtained by all humans. Unfortunately, some water sources in Indonesia are polluted by total coliform and Escherichia coli and threaten health. This study aims to measure total coliform and Escherichia coli in the Weisai sub-district, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua province as an effort to monitor environmental quality. This research is an observational study with a quantitative approach. Primary data in this study is the measurement of total coliform and Escherichia coli. The samples used were clean water in the borehole well of Bambang Sutejo village (T1); the dug well of Nyonya Fransina village (T2); and the dug well of Om Miter village (T3). Sample testing was conducted by the Environmental Health and Disease Control Technical Center (BTKLPP), Ambon City, and taken on November 28, 2022. The test results obtained, total coliform parameters of 1,600 MPN/100 mL and Escherichia coli 2.2 at T1. Meanwhile, the T3 concentration of total coliform and Escherichia coli exceeded 1,600 MPN/100 mL. T1 and T3 have values that exceed quality standards. This is due to livestock waste that does not have a wastewater disposal channel and the absence of communal domestic wastewater disposal channels

Zoning Effectiveness of Marine Nature Reserve Conservation Areas (SAP) Raja Ampat Islands Against Coral Reef Protection

Raja Ampat Islands have been designated as a Marine Nature Reserve (SAP) since 2014, and community activity in these waters remains high for tourism, fishing and sea transportation activities. All of these activities have the potential to suppress the condition of the coral reefs there. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of zoning in terms of social and ecological indicators. This research was conducted using the Underwater Visual Census (UVC) method for coral reef fish and the Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) method for coral cover at a depth of 5-7 m. The set critical threshold value is used to evaluate the success of the zoning taken by interviewing fishermen. The results of the study found that the core zone had unfavorable conditions compared to the other zones. Based on an analysis of ecological indicators, the percentage of coral cover was only 20.9% and an abundance of reef fish of 28 ind/m2. The results of the social analysis of the community, Waisilip Village has the lowest level of compliance with a value of 56%. Meanwhile, 77% of respondents agree with zoning, and only 19% understand the zoning management system. The management of SAP Raja Ampat can be said to be effective by taking into the ecological and social indicators of the community. Increase in the percentage of coral cover in the core zone (0.2%), utilization zone (3.9%), sustainable fisheries zone (0.8%) and cultivation zone (5.7%). Most fishermen have good insight and concern for coral reefs and other aquatic resources.

DIPLOMASI DIGITAL INDONESIA SEBAGAI ALAT PROMOSI PARIWISATA RAJA AMPAT

This research describes Indonesia's position in promoting Raja Ampat tourism by using soft power in the form of digital diplomacy. For this reason, a qualitative method was used with an online interview approach and using the conceptual framework of digital diplomacy and tourism. The results of this study indicate that digital diplomacy regarding Raja Ampat's tourism potential is carried out using the branding "Wonderful Indonesia", and "Pesona Indonesia" digitally through the websites and also through several social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram). It was found that there were several obstacles that needed to get the relevant Government's attention. namely, the limited funds faced by Raja Ampat management to manage the website, the limited resources in operating the website, and the limited staff involved in promoting Raja Ampat to international exhibitions. This research can be used as study material for policy makers to help promote tourism through digital diplomacy and can be used as a model for future research.

The abundance of coral diseases and compromise health in marine protected areas on Dampier waters, Raja Ampat

The extent of coral reefs, coral biodiversity, and associated biota are known as high mega biodiversity in Indonesian waters, in other words, The Coral Triangle. Threats of coral damage have also been widely reported, including deaths due to natural factors. Coral disease is a natural factor that is not widely known for its existence around Indonesian waters. This study was conducted to obtain the abundance of coral disease by using a belt transect method of 20 m long with a width of 50 cm to the left and right of the transect line, then carried out three replications at ten observation stations in Dampier waters, Raja Ampat. The study obtained data on the abundance of coral diseases that infect eight coral genera ranging from 0-23 col/60 m2, the highest station at station 8 (23 col/60 m2). There were six types of coral disease found in the Dampier Strait MPA, including WS, BrBD, FB, AtN, Bleaching, and Tumor. The highest abundance was found in WS disease (65 col/60m2). Coral health confounding factors were found in 336 colonies with abundance at different stations ranging from 14 – 97 col/60 m2. The highest abundance was found at station 5 (97 col/60 m2), a high stressor due to being located at sub-zona Sasi and traditional use. The existence of the disease is not classified as an outbreak. However, it is necessary to be careful if there is an increase in the number of new infection cases in the exact location or other places in Indonesia.

Pengembangan Kawasan Wisata Mandeh melalui rekonstruksi kearifan lokal perempuan pesisir, Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan, Sumatera Barat

The Mandeh Tourism Area has been considered as Raja Ampat of the western Sumatra. However, this tourist area is very genuine and has not functioned as well as possible. In the National Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPPNAS) in 1998, the Mandeh tourism area recorded as a center for marine tourism development for the western region of Indonesia, along with Biak and Bunaken in the eastern part. Towards this preparation, exploring all aspects of local potential in preserving marine tourism is necessary. One of the aspects is through women's groups. Women's understanding is fundamental in environmental examination to create an environmentally friendly and women-friendly life. Therefore, investigating its potential as a reconstruction reference is necessary. This paper aims to describe the local potential of women in the Mandeh tourist area through the rebuilding of environmentally friendly local wisdom. This article employed an approach that focuses on the historical method, especially the oral history method. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and participant observation. The primary informants of this study were women in the Mandeh Integrated Tourism Area using the snowball technique. Data analysis was collected by using a historical analysis model. The local wisdom of Mandeh women can be categorized into several groups; (1) in preserving the environment and maintaining marine ecosystems through the prevention of their husbands who work as fishermen in brutal fishing; (2) utilization of the natural surroundings for healthy food and medicine; (3) culinary processing based on local potential.

Karakteristik Penginapan Kampung Wisata Arborek Kabupaten Raja Ampat Provinsi Papua Barat

Arborek Village is one of the villages in the Meos Mansar District, Raja Ampat Regency. This village was appointedthe Best Tourism Village in 2015. accommodationservicesare very important to be studied in order to get the right formulation for the development of accommodation in this district. Research held three months, from 1st July until 1st October 2021, technique data collection are observation, interviews, and literature study. The results are presented in the form of a description or descriptive. The results of the research from ten lodgement in Arborek Village have almost the same characteristics, ranging from building materials to the location of the accomodation arrangement, the lodgement has not fully implemented the concept of ecotourism towards development and sustainable (sustainable tourism) especially the ecological pillar because there is no waste management -plastic waste that cannot be recycled but this plastic waste is burned so that it can cause pollution. The potential for accomodation development in implementing the ecotourism concept enough positive, in the future further research is needed related to the carrying capacity of the development of environmentally friendly lodging in Arborek Village.

Akulturasi Agama Dan Budaya Pada Perayaan Mandi Safar Adat Misool Kampung Lilinta Distrik Misool Barat Kabupaten Raja Ampat

This research was conducted using qualitative data types, the research location was Kampung Lilinta, West Misool District, Raja Ampat Regency, while the time of this research was carried out for about 1 month. With data collection techniques are observation, interviews, and documentation. The data obtained was obtained from several informants including traditional shops, religious shops, and local community shops.
 The results of the research on religious and cultural acculturation at the Misool Traditional Safar Bath Celebration in Lilinta Village, West Misool District, Raja Ampat Regency is a ritual process carried out in the Safar month on Wednesday in the last week of the Safar month which is believed to avoid bad luck that occurs during the Safar month. . During the safar celebration, the community is required to drink and bathe in water which has been prayed for by the religious shop, and on that day all activities are carried out outside the home until the reading of the prayer for safety led by the religious shop. This tradition aims to strengthen ties between the people of Lilinta Village, West Misool District, Raja Ampat Regency.

Two new endemic species of leucothoid amphipods (Amphipoda: Leucothoidae) from New Zealand and northeastern Indonesia

Abstract Leucothoid amphipods are commensal associates of invertebrate hosts, displaying a wide range of host specificity. Amphipods also demonstrate high levels of endemism, long thought to be due to their lack of a planktonic dispersal stage. The biodiversity of endemic species can be compared biogeographically, making amphipods useful proxies in monitoring ecosystem change. Two new species are described herein, both apparently endemic to their respective regions: Leucothoe panjangsp. nov. from Raja Ampat Archipelago, eastern Indonesia and Leucothoe wheromurasp. nov. from New Zealand. Both new species demonstrate host specificity and fit into a group of Leucothoe species that share the “Paraleucothoe” form of gnathopod 1, with an expanded basis, curved propodus, and short dactylus. The distribution of these new species supports the 12 realms of biogeography for amphipods, suggesting that patterns of amphipod endemicity are less likely due to a lack of dispersal than they are dependent on geological history.

Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) Movement Behavior toward Diver in Banda Waters, Maluku

Shark diving tourism opens opportunities to study shark behavior towards diver. As one of the popular attractions for the marine tourism in Indonesia, shark diving play significant role for the conservation in the eastern part of Indonesia. Banda Sea, as well as Morotai, Derawan, Raja Ampat, Nabire and Teluk Cenderawasih, Bali, Lombok, Komodo, and Gorontalo, is famous for its shark diving attraction. Despite its famous status as a tourism attraction, little is known about the behavior of scalloped hammerhead shark during the interaction with Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) diver. The information of scalloped hammerhead shark movement behavior during interaction with SCUBA diver is important for developing ecological assessment, safe diving practice, and shark tourism carrying capacity. This research involves DOV (Diver Operated Video) to record the movement patterns of shark while interacting with SCUBA Diver. Evaluation of approximately 457 photos and 32 videos of the Sphyrna lewini during 14 days of observations has been analyzed during SCUBA diving shows the most common shark agonistic display: pectoral fins depression - apart from other displays such as tail slapping, flank displaying, charging, snout raise, and jaw gapping. It also reveals three (3) new shark agonistic postures which were never been recorded previously: charging, snout raise, and jaw gapping. This study showed that there are consistent behaviors observed while meeting with SCUBA divers and this may be beneficial for development of safety diving management, as well as conservation efforts.

Fiberglass Ship Repair Training on Abidon Island, Ayau Islands, Raja Ampat

Indonesia is rich in small islands that have not to explore, one of which is Abidon Island, located in the Ayau archipelago. Most of the Abidon people use small boats for fishing activities. There are two small shipbuilding materials, FRP (Fibre-reinforced plastic) or Fiberglass and wood-reinforced Polymer Composite Materials. Abidon Island has a lot of coral reefs, so many ships suffered ship damage in the hollow bottom hull. However, in the repair process, they experienced difficulties due to lack of knowledge of ship repair. Therefore, This activity provides training on fiberglass ship repair methods, namely the Casting and Hand Lay Up method. In Hand Lay Up method, the reinforcing materials used are Woven Roven 600 and Chopped Strand Mat 450, and for the Casting method, the resin-catalyst composition used is 99%-1%, respectively. The number and variation of layers obtained from the reference. The results obtained show a neat and solid.
 Abstrak
 Indonesia kaya akan pulau kecil, banyak sekali pulau kecil yang belum dieksplorasi salah satunya Pulau Abidon yang terletak di kepulauan Ayau. Masyarakat Abidon, sebagian besar memanfaatkan kapal kecil untuk melakukan aktifitas menangkap ikan. Terdapat dua bahan pembuat kapal kecil di wilayah tersebut, yakni FRP (Fibre-reinforced plastic) atau Material Komposit Polimer berpenguat Fiberglass dan kayu. Pulau Abidon dikelilingi terumbu karang, sehingga banyak kapal mengalami kerusakan kapal pada hull bawah berlubang. Akan tetapi dalam proses perbaikan, mengalami kesulitan karena minim pengetahuan perbaikan kapal. Oleh sebab itu, kegiatan ini memberikan pelatihan metode perbaikan kapal fiberglass yakni metode Casting dan Hand Lay Up. Dalam metode Hand Lay Up, bahan penguat yang digunakan yakni Woven Roven 600 dan Chopped Strand Mat 450 dan untuk metode Casting, komposisi resin-katalis yang digunakan masing-masing 99%-1%. Jumlah dan variasi lapisan didapat dari referensi. Hasil yang didapat memperlihatkan tambalan rapi dan kuat.

Population estimates of photo-identified individuals using a modified POPAN model reveal that Raja Ampat’s reef manta rays are thriving

The 6.7-million-hectare Raja Ampat archipelago is home to Indonesia’s largest reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) population and a representative network of nine marine protected areas (MPAs). However, the population dynamics ofM. alfrediin the region are still largely unknown. Using our photo-identification database, we fitted modified POPAN mark-recapture models with transience and per capita recruitment parameters to estimate key demographic characteristics ofM. alfredifrom two of Raja Ampat’s largest MPAs: Dampier Strait and South East (SE) Misool. A total of 1,041 unique individuals were photo-identified over an 11-year period (2009–2019) from Dampier Strait (n = 515) and SE Misool (n = 536). In our models, apparent survival probabilities and per capita recruitment rates were strongly linked with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Our models also estimated high apparent survival probabilities and significant increases in (sub)population sizes in both MPAs over a decade. In Dampier Strait, the estimated population size increased significantly (p = 0.018) from 226 (95% CI: 161, 283) to 317 (280, 355) individuals. Likewise, the estimated population size in SE Misool increased significantly (p = 0.008) from 210 (137, 308) to 511 (393, 618) individuals. Regardless of variation in the percentage change in population size between years throughout the study, the estimated overall population change shows a compound growth of 3.9% (0.7, 8.6) per annum in Dampier Strait and 10.7% (4.3, 16.1) per annum in SE Misool. Despite the global decline in oceanic sharks and rays due to fishing pressure in the last five decades, our study demonstrates the positive impact of a suite of long-term conservation efforts, coupled with the influence of ENSO events, on increasingM. alfrediabundance in Raja Ampat MPAs. Our study also underscores the importance of long-term monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation management measures on manta ray populations. Our modification of the standard POPAN model by incorporating per capita recruitment and transience parameters represents an important advance in mark-recapture modelling that should prove useful when examining other manta ray populations and other highly migratory species that are likely to have a substantial percentage of transient individuals.

When and Where Did They Strand? The Spatio-Temporal Hotspot Patterns of Cetacean Stranding Events in Indonesia

Analyses of the spatial and temporal patterns of 26 years of stranding events (1995–2011 and 2012–2021, n = 568) in Indonesia were conducted to improve the country’s stranding response. The Emerging Hot Spot Analysis was used to obtain the spatial and temporal hotspot patterns. A total of 92.4% events were single stranding, while the remaining were of mass stranding events. More stranding events were recorded between 2012 and 2021 in more dispersed locations compared to the previous period. Within the constraints of our sampling limitations, East Kalimantan and Bali were single stranding hotspots and consecutive hotspots. East Java and Sabu-Raijua in East Nusa Tenggara were mass stranding hotspots. Temporally, Raja Ampat (West Papua) experienced a significant increase in case numbers. The presence of active NGOs, individuals or government agencies in some locations might have inflated the numbers of reported cases compared to areas with less active institutions and/or individuals. However, our results still give a good understanding of the progression of Indonesia’s stranding responses and good guidance of resource allocation for the stranding network. Several locations in Indonesia that need more efforts (e.g., more training workshops on rescue and necropsies) have been identified in this paper. Suggestions to improve data collection (including georeferencing tips) have also been included.

Biak and Wakatobi reefs are the two hottest hotspots of coral reef fish diversity and abundance in the Indonesian Archipelago

The Indonesian Archipelago has a very complex geological history, along with equatorial warm sea temperature, resulting in diverse types of coral reefs and high diversity of coral reef fish. Many livelihoods of the coastal community are dependent on coral reef fisheries. The present study aimed to determine which region and location in the Indonesian Archipelago has the most diverse and abundant coral reef fish. The archipelago was divided into four regions: the Indian Ocean, Sunda Shelf, Wallacea, and the Pacific Ocean. Data were obtained from a national coral reef monitoring program of the Indonesian Research Center for Oceanography (RCO)-the National Board for Research and Innovation (BRIN). The reef fish data were collected using the underwater visual census method, from 321 belt transects on 24 locations (districts) across the archipelago. The results show that coral reef fish diversity of the Pacific region was the highest across the archipelago for all three trophic levels, i.e., corallivore, herbivore, and carnivore fish. The Pacific Ocean region also had the highest fish abundance for the three trophic levels. Comparison among locations revealed that the best ten locations in reef fish diversity and abundance were Sabang, Mentawai, Makassar, Selayar, Buton, Luwuk, Ternate, Raja Ampat, Biak, and Wakatobi. Wakatobi reefs showed their supremacy in carnivore fish diversity and abundance, while Biak reefs were the best in herbivore fish. The abundance of corallivore fish was also considerably high in Sabang reefs, but it is still lower than in Raja Ampat, Biak, and Wakatobi reefs. These results provide empirical evidence that the coral reefs of Wakatobi and Biak are the hottest hotspots of coral reef fish diversity and abundance in the Indonesian Archipelago.

The Tradition of Paying Dowry: A Case of Biak Wardo Tribe in Ayau Islands, Raja Ampat

Indonesia has a diversity of religions and cultures therefore when we talk about marriage that is framed in a relationship with God and tradition or customary positive law, it is certain that each region has differences in the implementation which is unique. Culture is something that can be used as a unique and distinctive identity for an area. Indonesia has many kinds of culture and traditions. These traditions are usually used as a rule or pattern of life of the community in everyday life. One of them is marriage, one of the important elements in marriage is the payment of a dowry. Marriage processions have procedures that vary according to tradition in society, and each culture has a way of interpreting the dowry itself. This is the case with the marriage customs of the Biak Wardo Tribe in the Ayau Islands District. This study aims to determine the dowry payment tradition of the Biak Wardo Tribe in the Ayau Archipelago District, Raja Ampat Regency, and to find out the obstacles faced in the Biak Wardo Tribal dowry payment tradition in the district. Ayau Islands, Raja Ampat Regency. The method used in this study used qualitative methods and analyzed descriptively qualitatively. This study also uses the discipline approach of Anthropology and Sociology. Data Collection Techniques with Observation, Interviews, and Documentation, Data Analysis Techniques. The results of this study indicate that the tradition of paying the dowry of the Biak Wardo tribe, Ayau islands, Raja Ampat district is divided into three parts, namely Sanepen, Ararem and Anum. The obstacle that often occurs is the addition of dowry payments from the woman's family so that the man must pay it on the same day while the extra requested is not given in the agreed note, it is often troublesome for the man's family but the man must still pay it on that day also so that the payment of the dowry is considered legal.

A World View of Maya in Raja Ampat Kingdom Mythology in West Papua

Myth in Maya ethnic, West Papua, Indonesia is an old story contained truth element that is truly believed as a story that ever happened in the past time because it is supported by inheritance culture feature in society. Myth is a source of important information used to dig and understand the way of local people think which is combined and facilitate in the form of verbal narrative. Raja Ampat kingdom Mythology talks about the origin of Raja Ampat name and Maya ancestor as well which is believed comes from Maleo bird egg. This story is considered as a holy story by the owner and it preserves in Kali Raja ritual in South Waigeo. This ritual is done annually with the purpose of cleaning and changing “cloth” of king’s stone or seventh ancestor of Maya that has aleready become a stone and chooses to live at the place where they ancestors were born that is Kali Raja. The belief of the truth of the element of Maya story can be seen from the dancer and ritual actor as well. This writing used verbal literature of sociology. The source of the data is the script document of Raja Ampat myth with an object of this study is the viewpoint of live and worldview.

Taxonomic Note on Ellochelon vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) (Mugilidae: Mugiliformes) from West New Guinea, Indonesia

Abstract
 Ellochelon vaigiensis is a monotypic, catadromous, and widespread species throughout Indo-Pacific region. Taxonomy of the species is ancient and somewhat confused by morphological resemblance. Here, we present and compare the morphological characteristics of E. vaigiensis from 3 distinct areas, respectively from the type locality (Waigeo Island, Raja Ampat), from Cendrawasih Bay (Biak Island), and Kaimana (Venu and Aiduma Islands). All the samples belong to E. vaigiensis following the species diagnosis given by Harrison and Senou (1999). No significant differentiation is found for all meristic and morphological characters between specimens caught from the type locality and Biak Island. Nevertheless, specimens from Kaimana have a slender body width compared to specimens from Waigeo Island (type locality) and Biak Island. Specimens from Kaimana also display a longer head and a larger eye diameter than specimens from Biak Island. A canonical discriminant analysis made on all morphometric data confirms the morphological differentiation of Kaimana‘s specimens compared to the type locality and Biak Island. These results suggest the possibility of the presence of cryptic species in E. vaigiensis and emphasize the necessity to conduct molecular taxonomy to definitely solve the taxonomic status of Kaimana specimens.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 The present study provided a detailed morphological study of E. vaigiensis based on specimens collected at the type of locality of Waigeo and samples caught from localities in the western part of New Guinea
 No significant differentiation is found for all meristic and morphological characters between specimens caught from the type locality and Biak Island. Nevertheless, specimens from Kaimana have a slender body width at origin of first dorsal fin compared to specimens from type locality and Biak Island. Specimens from Kaimana also display a longer head and a larger eye diameter than specimens from Biak Island
 A canonical discriminant analysis confirms the morphological differentiation of Kaimana‘s specimens suggesting the possibility of the presence of cryptic species in E. vaigiensis and emphasize the necessity to conduct molecular taxonomy
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT