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Whale watching in 3 Bohol areas suspended

Ric Obedencio - The Philippine Star
Whale watching in 3 Bohol areas suspended
View of a gray whale in the Pacific Ocean in Los Cabos, Baja California state, Mexico on February 21, 2024. Pacific coast gray whales have shrunk in length an astonishing 13 percent since the year 2000, adding to growing evidence that climate change and other human activities are making marine mammals smaller, a study says. The diminished size of these animals could have far-reaching consequences for their health and reproductive success -- and sets alarm bells ringing for their wider food web, researchers said in a statement on June 13, 2024.
AFP / Alfredo Estrella

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — The provincial government of Bohol has stopped all whale watching or interaction activities in Albuquerque, Dauis and Lila towns for alleged violation of the law.

Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado issued Executive Order (EO) 10, stating the activity in Alburquerque is being questioned as the whale watching site is reportedly located within the Albuquerque-Loay-Loboc protected area.

The EO said that whale watching and interaction activities in all three areas are sanctioned by their respective local government units, but have no clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Aumentado said feeding of whale sharks by tourists violates environmental laws as it disrupts the natural behavior of the animal and threatens ecological balance.

He cited as basis for his EO the guidelines provided under a local ordinance and a memorandum circular signed by concerned government agencies on the sustainable marine wildlife tourism interaction.

These government agencies are the DENR and the departments of tourism, agriculture, and interior and local government.

Aumentado directed the municipal governments of Albuquerque, Dauis and Lila and the provincial environment management office as well as the maritime police, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coast Guard and the DENR to implement the EO.

The activities will remain suspended until all requirements are met following a comprehensive industry-wide consultation.

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