Whale sharks sighted anew in Pangasinan shores
THEY are back!
Butanding, the gentle whale sharks, have reappeared to provide additional attraction in the shores of the Lingayen Gulf at this time of the year.
This became evident after one was sighted in Alaminos City last month and another in Lingayen early this month, an indication that their migration came earlier than expected.
Dr. Westly Rosario, chief of the Dagupan-based National Integrated Fisheries Technology and Development Center (NIFTDC) said the migration of butanding in the shores of the Lingayen Gulf since 2001 usually starts around the last week of April.
“We don’t know the reason why they came earlier. It must be because food is plentiful at this time of the year in the mouths of rivers in Pangasinan,” said Rosario.
He said it is also possible that there is more food now in the shore than in mid-sea since it is summer, the breeding season of fish in Pangasinan at this time of the year.
“That is why the mouths of rivers are teeming with small fish and shrimps, including plankton,” said Rosario.
Distinguished from other whales for their spotted bodies, the whale sharks are so friendly that people who manage to get near them are able to touch them.
Herds of butanding were seen last year along the shoreline of San Fabian and enterprising residents took the opportunity to organize “Butanding Watch” tour.
Rosario called on fishermen and boatmen not to catch or harm any of the butanding, already considered one of the endangered species, because this could make them sense that shore of the Lingayen Gulf is a hostile area and stop frequenting it.
He also advised boatmen carrying tourists to maintain a safe distance from a butanding. (Leonado Micua)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
