Bohol governor orders suspension of whale shark-watching activities in 3 towns

Local

WHALE shark-watching activities have been suspended in the towns of Lila, Alburquerque, and Dauis in Bohol after authorities discovered violations of marine life tourism regulations.

Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado signed Executive Order No. 10 on Monday, February 3, halting the popular activity in these areas.

The suspension follows an investigation by an inter-agency team, which found that operators were luring whale sharks by feeding them krill, a small shrimp-like animal.

This practice violates the Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-008 and the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series of 2020, which govern the proper management of marine life interactions.

Concerns were also raised after krill on the water’s surface created a foul odor, potentially affecting nearby tourist destinations like Balicasag and Panglao.

Additionally, operators were found to be lacking the necessary permits from government bodies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

The executive order, which is effective immediately, allows operators until Friday to cease operations.

Whale sharks, locally known as "butanding," are the world’s largest fish and are classified as an endangered species.

Aumentado stated that the order was aimed at preserving Bohol’s natural resources while ensuring fair practices across municipalities.

He urged the Philippine National Police Maritime Group , Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, DENR, and the Coastal Law Enforcement Council to strictly enforce the ban.

Job order workers will be deployed to monitor the affected areas and prevent unauthorized whale shark interactions.

The suspension will remain in place until operators meet all regulatory requirements and pass inspections from the relevant agencies.(CMM)