CEBU – Philippine authorities have expressed alarm over the continued interaction by humans, mostly divers and tourists, with whale sharks in the sea off the town of Oslob in Cebu province.
Tourists were reported feeding and in many cases had been photographed touching whale sharks which are not allowed.
The Bureau of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource has dispatched a team to investigate the reports after several groups and nongovernmental organizations also expressed concern over the human interaction with whale sharks also known locally as “butanding.”
The presence of whale sharks in the sea off Cebu has attracted thousands of local and foreign tourists the past years.
One website – Oslobwhalesharks.com – is also promoting whale shark watching in Oslob.
In its website, it said: “We are here to organize day tour trips on whale shark encounters with side trip to Tumalog waterfalls. We have concentrated on answering your most important questions on transport, activities, attractions, and accommodation.”
“Watching of whale sharks in Oslob Cebu is 99% guaranteed. Whale sharks can be seen in a small barangay Tan-awan, which is 10 km away from the center town of Oslob. Whale shark watching in Cebu started last September 2011 and it became popular all over the world when the news hit in the internet last November 2011. By December 2011, local fishermen’s interact with the whale sharks by feeding them that result to flocking of tourist to the beach of Tan-awan. Large numbers of tourists began arriving in Oslob not just to see the whale sharks being fed but also to snorkel or dive with them.”
It added: “Get fascinated to watch friendly creatures of the sea as you enjoy watching and swimming with the friendly whale sharks in Oslob Cebu! Come and enjoy the adventure of lifetime experience.”
Its operator, Island Trek Tours – a travel agency – said: “We are not the whale shark watching operator or resorts; we are travel agency who organized accommodations and whale shark tours.” (Cebu Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/ and http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/
Share The News
20
