The discovery of the 20 new species in Indonesia is not a very big surprise because as Mr. William White said, "Indonesia has the most diverse shark and ray fauna and the largest shark and ray fishery in the world, with reported landings of more than 100,000 tons a year."

In a five-year survey of catches at local fish markets in Indonesia, 20 new species of sharks and manta rays have been discovered. From 2001 to 2006, researchers photographed and sampled more than 130 species on 22 survey trips to 11 ports across Indonesia. The survey was conducted by the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and represents the first in-depth look at the sharks and manta rays of Indonesia since 1842-60. However, some of their findings have been already observed, the researchers admitted that six of these creatures have been described in peer review journals such as the Bali Catshark and Jimbaran Shovelnose Ray, and the Hortle's Whipray.

The 14 other species are still pending because supporting documentation for each one is still being prepared.