Curfew, time limit for whale shark watching eyed

CEBU, Philippines - The technical working group tasked by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to ensure sustainable eco-tourism in Oslob has recommended a curfew and time limit for whale shark watching.

This is just one of the measures proposed by the TWG who has already submitted a comprehensive set of guidelines for whale shark watching in the said town.

The guidelines will be embedded in the existing ordinance of the municipality to have a more thorough system for tourists who go whale shark watching in Barangay Tanawan.

“We are happy that the proposed guidelines as directed by the governor are finished,” said Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren, one of the members of the TWG.

 The guidelines include the defined responsibilities of the people tasked to implement the laws as well as regulations of land-based and seaborne whale shark watchers, scuba divers and those who also do snorkeling in the area.

It also includes the necessary information that is part of the briefing and orientation for the watchers.

A 1 p.m. curfew and a 30-minute time limit on whale shark watching are also among several guidelines proposed by the TWG.

Apart from Guaren, the TWG is composed of PB member Wilfredo Caminero, the Whale Shark Watchers Organization, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Rose Marie Vincoy and Provincial Legal Officer Marino Martinquilla.

Guaren said they will do their best to strictly enforce the rules.

The ordinance has also defined the appropriate fines and penalties for violators. Monitoring is also augmented by a group of scuba divers that will give free training to the monitoring team and to some Bantay Dagat members.

A research arm will also be put up to help provide valuable information to keep the sustainability of the ecosystem of the site.

Under an Oslob municipal ordinance, only an accredited group will be allowed to ferry tourists to the site where the whale sharks gather. A designated whale shark watching area has also been identified with buoys within the municipal waters of the town.

Regional line agencies like the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have also expressed support in this endeavor and are willing to share information and trainings to sustain the whale shark activity in Oslob. — (FREEMAN)