The governor issued an executive order halting all whale shark interaction activities in Bohol due to concerns about their impact on the species.
Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado has ordered the immediate cessation of all forms of whale shark interaction activities in the province, citing concerns raised by local advocates over their harmful effects on biodiversity. Executive Order No. 10 - 2025, which took effect on Monday, February 3, prohibits whale shark watching and other related activities.
The order mandates the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DENR – Environmental Management Bureau, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Coastal Law Enforcement Council to enforce the ban. This decision follows advocacy efforts by environmentalist groups, diving operators, resort owners, and other stakeholders who expressed concerns about the impact of whale shark interaction activities on the species. Tagbilaran Baywatch, in a letter to the Bohol Provincial Board on January 20, claimed that whale shark watching activities were detrimental to the animals. The Provincial Tourism Council of Bohol also acknowledged that some whale shark watching sites were operating without completing legal requirements. Governor Aumentado assured the public that they had made preparations with authorities to ensure the successful implementation of the executive order. He stated that the Whale Shark Task Force would conduct site visits to the affected areas to formally implement the closure order. Lawyer Gertrude Biliran, spokesperson for Tagbilaran Watch, hailed the implementation of the ban as a victory for conservation efforts
WHALESHARKS BIODIVERSITY BOHOL PHILIPPINES EXECUTIVE ORDER CONSERVATION
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