Julia Christine Botin

Marine life advocates laud Bohol' suspension of whale shark activities

Article (news)

Annie Perez

ABS-CBN News

<p>CEBU — Non-government organization Balyena.org, which conducts marine conservation efforts in Bohol province, has lauded the local government for suspending whale shark activities there.</p><p>On Monday, Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado issued Executive Order No. 10 terminating all whale shark related activities specifically in the towns of Lila, Albuquerque and Dauin.</p><p>&quot;This is a major step forward for marine conservation and responsible tourism,&quot; the research and conservation organization wrote on social media.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/2/4/whale-shark-watching-in-bohol-suspended-0909">Whale shark watching activities in Bohol suspended</a></div><p>The group said they have long been advocating against whale shark feeding because it disrupts their natural behavior, alters migration patterns, and negatively impacts marine ecosystems.</p><p>They are hoping for strict enforcement and full compliance from local authorities and operators.</p><p>Some of the reasons stated in the executive order included potential damage to the tourism industry especially in the adjacent town of Panglao and violations to environmental and sanitation laws.</p><p>The provincial board meanwhile is looking for ways to legislate the executive order issued by the governor.</p><p>The committee on environment and natural resources led by Board Member Jaime Aumentado discussed their findings on the issue to the plenary.</p><p>&quot;The foul odor came from the krill fed to the whale sharks to lure them into the sea,&quot; said Aumentado after their inspection at the different whale shark watching sites in the province.</p><p>They also found that there was no carrying capacity for the whale shark feeding activities and the krill often supposedly gets spoiled, which accentuates the smell.</p><p>&quot;Guests also did not follow protocol of being two meters away from the fins of the whale sharks,&quot; she added.</p><p>The committee is recommending proper regulation and extending their assistance to the displaced workers.</p><p>Tour Operators have until Friday, February 7, to cease their whale shark watching and other related activities.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P37tY_TRpmE?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>Non-government organization Balyena.org, which conducts marine conservation efforts in Bohol province, has lauded the local government for suspending whale shark activities there.</p>

Non-government organization Balyena.org, which conducts marine conservation efforts in Bohol province, has lauded the local government for suspending whale shark activities there.