DENR drafts measures to protect whale sharks

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has drafted measures that would intensify the protection of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) nationwide following the killing of an 18-foot butanding off Tingloy town in Batangas almost two weeks ago.

DENR Secretary Horacio Ramos yesterday approved a draft administrative order (AO) that will be transmitted to President Arroyo for her consideration and endorsement.

“Despite the existing legal measures such as Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act as well as Fisheries Administrative Order No. 193 to protect the whale shark, regrettably the killing and mutilation of this species continues, as with the latest case on the death of a whale shark in Batangas, wherein the whale shark was stabbed and its fins removed,” Ramos said.

The DENR proposal seeks to facilitate the identification, monitoring, and protection of whale shark pathways across the country as well as the mapping of these areas for the effective conservation of the marine species. 

The maps are expected to help the public as well as all seagoing vessels, both local and foreign, in protecting whale sharks.

The draft AO tasks local government units to rescue wounded whale sharks in their jurisdiction, and taps the National Bureau of Investigation and the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute poachers and other violators.

A reward and incentive system is also proposed to encourage the public to provide information leading to the arrest of anybody harming or killing whale sharks or to the rescue of any wounded butanding.

Earlier, the World Wildlife Fund for Nature and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources offered a P100,000 reward for the immediate arrest of Batangas poachers believed behind the killing of the 18-foot butanding, nicknamed “Tingloy Baby,” whose dorsal and pectoral fins were sliced off.