Bohol is known for its green landscapes, but the province also boasts its serene waters which host a rich biodiversity of marine animals, especially the whale sharks.
However, come February 7, Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado will ratify the suspension of whale shark watching activities throughout the whole province as part of Executive Order No. 10, which the governor signed last February 3.
The whale shark experience in Bohol has been a popular tourist attraction which allowed visitors to closely watch and swim along the mammoth-sized fishes.
Aumentado stood firm with the decision to halt activities involving whale sharks to protect Bohol’s tourism industry, especially within the areas of Lila, Alburquerque, and Dauis. An inter-agency team organized by Aumentado, unearthed that these whale sharks had been fed with krill, a small marine crustacean similar to a shrimp, to lure them to stay within the area.
Whale sharks ought to not be fed as it disrupts their natural behavior. These series of violations fall under Bohol’s Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-008 wherein feeding on whale sharks and similar mammals had been strictly prohibited. Apart from legal violations, krill had also disrupted the cleanliness of Bohol’s water as it was found to have caused foul odor.
Some operators of the whale shark activity were also busted as they lacked permits to operate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Internal Revenue. This endangers the well-being and safety of tourists who in the past have possibly availed of the services of the operators.
As risks and affecting factors pile up, it is no wonder how Bohol’s provincial government arrived at such a decision. It is no wonder that tourists, especially during the summer season or whale shark season from November to May—when these marine animals are easier to spot.
Even though these operations are soon to be halted, Aumentado clarified that Bohol does not oppose whale-shark interaction as a tourist attraction. However, he asserted that such practices must be sustainable and adhere to local and national ordinances and regulations.
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