Whale sharks spotted in Alaminos
City embarks on conservation efforts
THE butandings (whale sharks) are back at the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) in Alaminos City.
At least two butandings were sighted last September 28 by a group of divers and employees of the local government unit and this was personally confirmed by Braganza as he later scoured Bolo Beach in Barangay Telbang within 1,844 hectares of the Hundred Islands.
“The sightings could help boost our local tourism industry,” Braganza said.
The mayor immediately called on fisher folks, who have been active participants in the city’s overall conservation efforts, to ensure the protection of the whale sharks, which measure about 12 to 15 feet, and help foster the survival of the sea creatures in the area.
Considered as the largest shark, the largest fish — and the gentlest too, butandings (Rhincodon typus) in the area have disappeared for many years due to the distraction of the marine environment around the Hundred Islands.
In contrast, butandings have become a major tourist attraction in Sorsogon province, particularly in the towns of Donsol Donsol, Pilar, Castilla and Magallanes, where visitors can swim with them at a certain time of the year.
Major rehabilitation and conservation efforts over the last five years after the HINP was turned over to the management of the local government has revived the ecosystem and city officials credit this to the return of the whale sharks.
The city’s veterinarian, Dr. Ronald Abarra, said the city’s all-out war against illegal fishing, especially dynamite fishing, and the continued environmental protection and conservation program has lured back the whale sharks.
“Our marine sanctuary offers all the food and the protection it (whale shark) needs,” added Mayor Hernani.
Coverage of the sightings by the two main television networks in the country and postings on social networking site Facebook have helped draw immediate attention among tourists.
“The documentation drew the interest of many foreign and local tourists. They started arriving in droves,” Braganza said.
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
