Increased protection for whale sharks urged

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo has ordered the increased protection of whale sharks found in Philippine waters.

Mrs. Arroyo issued Administrative Order No. 282 on March 16, directing all concerned government agencies to protect the whale shark, known locally as butanding, and sustain ecotourism developments in coastal communities where whale sharks have migrated. 

“The recent incident of whale shark killing last Feb. 15, 2010 in Tingloy, Batangas was a direct affront to the Philippine government as host to the meeting of experts that crafted the Conservation Plan for Migratory Sharks and as signatory to the MOU (memorandum of understanding) to achieve and maintain a favorable conservation status for migratory sharks based on the best available scientific studies,” the order stated.

The killing of the whale shark was condemned by the World Wildlife Fund.

President Arroyo ordered the mapping of the locations of whale sharks in Philippine waters for government and public information.

Concerned local government units were ordered to rescue wounded whale sharks in their areas of jurisdiction and coordinate with any unit of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, or PNP Maritime Command, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the proper care, treatment, and release of the rescued whale sharks back into the wild.

The National Bureau of Investigation and the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice were directed to intensify their investigation of incidences of whale shark hunting in the country, and file charges against violators of the law on the protection of the species. 

The President also directed the agencies to reward persons who provide information leading to the arrest of persons harming or killing the species.

“Whale shark watching is providing a significant boost to promote ecotourism and augmenting livelihoods for coastal communities,” the order stated. “The whale sharks that thrive in Philippine waters continue to be threatened and killed despite existing legal measures for their protection.”

Last month, whale sharks were found feeding at the Albay Gulf. They were believed to have extended their feeding area from Donsol, Sorsogon where they have been seen since October last year and are expected to linger in Philippine waters until June.

Their presence in the provinces has attracted more tourists to resorts, boosting tourism revenues.