Whale Sharks As One Of The Top Tourist Attractions
DOT or Department of Tourism - a ministry of tourism encouraged the public and regional government agencies in the protected marine areas, specifically where the whale shark species (Rhincodontypus) are common and in its presence to learn how to behave and find out about marine conservation.
"Tourism should coexist with the protection and conservation of marine animals, and requires the public awareness as well as training so that they can act effectively in terms of dealing with wildlife and moreover to avoid interference with the natural behavior of animals like the whale shark.", said Tourism Minister, Ramon Jimenez.
Soon after photographs from visitors stroking and even riding on a whale shark on the island of Cebu circulated, Jimenez's order was issued. In deep water, the fishermen's nets caught the whale shark. The moment the fishing vessel reached the coast, the fish was to be released however, once there, a local business man paid the fishermen to held the shark captive and make it as a tourist attraction. The images led to a lot of protests from environmentalists.
Though it was let go after two hours, the whale shark was wounded in the head and tail, reported sources from the BFAR or Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Moreover, Jimenez added that guidelines in educating the public on matters of protection of the marine ecosystem and protecting the natural resources should be fulfilled by both parties concerned.
The DOT stated it has had contacts with BFAR representatives to help in the preparation of a caravan which will travel the coast through the month of May, referred to as ocean month, to help sensitize the people concerning the marine wealth conservation.
DOT or Department of Tourism - a ministry of tourism encouraged the public and regional government agencies in the protected marine areas, specifically where the whale shark species (Rhincodontypus) are common and in its presence to learn how to behave and find out about marine conservation.
"Tourism should coexist with the protection and conservation of marine animals, and requires the public awareness as well as training so that they can act effectively in terms of dealing with wildlife and moreover to avoid interference with the natural behavior of animals like the whale shark.", said Tourism Minister, Ramon Jimenez.
Soon after photographs from visitors stroking and even riding on a whale shark on the island of Cebu circulated, Jimenez's order was issued. In deep water, the fishermen's nets caught the whale shark. The moment the fishing vessel reached the coast, the fish was to be released however, once there, a local business man paid the fishermen to held the shark captive and make it as a tourist attraction. The images led to a lot of protests from environmentalists.
Though it was let go after two hours, the whale shark was wounded in the head and tail, reported sources from the BFAR or Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Moreover, Jimenez added that guidelines in educating the public on matters of protection of the marine ecosystem and protecting the natural resources should be fulfilled by both parties concerned.
The DOT stated it has had contacts with BFAR representatives to help in the preparation of a caravan which will travel the coast through the month of May, referred to as ocean month, to help sensitize the people concerning the marine wealth conservation.
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