Weh Island is a small volcanic island located offshore of Aceh, a state in northwest Sumatra, Indonesia. It sits at the convergence of the Indian and Pacific oceans, and thus the coral reefs around the island contain a high diversity of fish species, and support healthy populations of whale sharks, dolphins, reef sharks, and manta rays. The beaches of Weh Island also provide important habitat for nesting sea turtles. Unfortunately, the island’s coral reefs are subjected to destructive fishing practices, such as the use of dynamite and cyanide, as well as outbreaks of the voracious crown-of-thorns starfish. In addition, the December 2004 tsunami that hit Indonesia destroyed mangroves in the region and washed debris and sediment onto the reefs. The Wildlife Conservation Society is currently working with local communities and district governments to create a network of marine protected areas that protect Aceh’s coral reefs, sea turtle nesting beaches, and populations of sharks, rays, and dolphins.
