"Order to Suspend Whale Shark Tours" Issued
Krill Shrimp Used as Feed Causes Strong Odor
Feeding Alters Migration Routes and Harms Ecosystem
The famous Philippine tourist destination Bohol, known as the "Mecca of Diving," has suspended its popular whale shark tours due to environmental concerns.
On the 5th (local time), local media such as Cebu Daily News and CBN reported that Erico Aristotle Omentado, governor of Bohol province, issued an administrative order on the 3rd to immediately halt whale shark tourism activities in the waters around Bohol. Governor Omentado reportedly instructed relevant authorities, including the police, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Coast Guard, and the Fisheries Agency, to stop whale shark tour operations.
The Bohol provincial government explained, "Tour operators involved in these tours used to feed whale sharks to attract them closer to tourists," adding, "This became a problem, leading to the issuance of this administrative order." Last month, authorities formed a whale shark task force (TF) consisting of environmental activists, diving business operators, and resort owners to investigate the tours. The investigation found that the krill shrimp used as feed by tour operators emitted a strong foul odor, and the feeding behavior altered the whale sharks' migration routes, negatively impacting the ecosystem.
Authorities also determined that the whale shark tours violated local ordinances prohibiting feeding. Furthermore, they noted that the tour operators did not obtain permits from government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The Bohol provincial government promised livelihood support for workers who lose their jobs due to this measure. Governor Omentado stated, "If whale shark tour operators comply with the ordinance by stopping feeding and meeting other requirements, tourism can resume. Bohol has other tourist attractions, so even if whale shark tours are suspended, the number of tourists will not decrease."
Meanwhile, last November, Bohol ranked among the popular winter travel destinations preferred by Koreans, according to the global travel app Skyscanner. At that time, Bohol ranked 6th with 5.8%, following Taipei, Taiwan (11.5%), Bangkok, Thailand (9.3%), Sapporo, Japan (8.8%), Hong Kong (8.2%), Nha Trang, Vietnam (6.4%), and Chiang Mai, Thailand (6%).
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
