Image via WikipediaA debate has sparked between the Philippine Marine Biolosits and the government of Oslob, Cebu, Philippines regarding the feeding of the world's largest fish, Whale Shark. Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren said that the practice of feeding the whale shark is good for their tourism and does no harm. But the environmentalists have recommended to halt the said feeding of the giant fish.
Marine Biologist officials said that feeding the giant fish may ultimately hurt the creatures. Edmundo Arregadas, regional head of the coastal marine management division, said that he had discouraged the mayor to continue the feeding of the giant fish. Arregadas warned the mayor that it might have negatively affect the natural way of life of the whale shark and might become dependent to the food given by the people in the coastal town in Oslob. But Mayor Guaren insisted. He said that the fishermen have been feeding the whale shark with baby shrimp since 1980's. He added that they are feeding the giant fish so it will rise to the surface of the water for the amusement and can attract more tourists. Guaren also said the the local government was regulating the feeding and ensure that onle a small number of boatmen will conduct the feeding in a designated area and will only happen in every morning. These small number of boatmen are required the use a rowing boat and keep their distance to avoid from hurting fish with their propellers.
FYi:
Whale shark is the largets fish in the world. It measures more or less 39 feet or 12 meters long weighing more than 21.5 tonnes or 47, 000 lbs. They are tagged as a harmless shark.According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, they classified the whale shark as vulnerable.
In the Philippines, catching and/or killing whale shark is banned. Whale shark has become a popular tourist attraction in some towns in Philippines.
No comments:
Post a Comment