TAN-AWAN WHALE SHARK WATCHING:

AN ANALYSIS OF ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT

A Research Paper Presented to

Miss Rezeile Faye L. Monte

College of Arts and Sciences

Cebu Normal University

Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City, Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Course

Comm. 111: Developmental Communication

Lilibeth Ambayec

Keizen Danica Arnado

Keziah Astillo

Kimley Lou Bacatan

Ian Jake Basillote

Juffer Denn Bornales

Sunshine Jade Luna

Joshua Taborada

March 2014

Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

In the hierarchy of the animal life, humans are leaders. Capable of manipulating the

things around them, human beings have the moral obligation of nurturing the world they are

living in. However, some of them have this habit of despoliation, rather than cultivation and

those who love nature know that it is sometimes challenging to inspire others to care.

In an effort to raise awareness and as a stepping stone towards staving off the annihilation

of innumerable species and devastation of some of the Earth's most precious ecosystems, the

researchers find the relationship that has developed between man and whale sharks quite

engrossing. The researchers endeavor to study a destination currently reaping the economic

benefits derived from whale shark ecotourism industry.

RhincodonTypus(‘butanding’ in Tagalog, ‘tuki’ in Cebuano), commonly known as whale

shark, is the largest known exant fish species in the world (Froese&Pauly, 2010).   The whale

shark, whose population is unknown and is considered vulnerable species by the International

Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is targeted by commercial fisheries in several areas

where they seasonally aggregate (Norman, 2005). However, according to the National

Regulations on Whale Shark Fishing in Australia (1998), the Philippines banned all fishing,

selling, importing and exporting of whale sharks for commercial purposes, and thus, paved way

for other Asian nations to do the same (http://www.environment.gov.au/node/15908).

Whale sharks became an important cornerstone of local ecotourism efforts in tropical

regions where they congregate in predictable, seasonal patterns. The bond that has struck up

between humans and these gentle giants has been eminent around the world. These marine

animals have been involved in interaction activities ranging from simply observing them from a

boat or from shore to water dive and snorkel experiences. The Philippines’ Department of

2

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said these activities have expanded, becoming

increasingly popular since the 1980s, and have been shown to generate significant economic

benefits, both in their own right and to the supporting businesses within the local economies in

which they operate (http://www.denr.gov.ph/news-and-features/in-our-region/959- denr-

region-7.html).

Philippines became world famous for whale shark watching due to the fact that those

huge creatures seasonally pass near the shores of Donsol, Sorsogon. It was hailed then the whale

shark capital of the country. However, things changed when in 2011, the fishermen on a small

place called Tan-awan, 10km south of Oslob, Cebu, started to daily feed the whale sharks. The

local fishermen explained that the practice of feeding the whale sharks was not forced on the

animals but was incidental. As the fishermen used brine shrimps (‘uyap’), which is abound to

that area, as baits, whale sharks started to feed on the ‘uyap’. A lot of the fishermen were forced

to stop fishing because more whale sharks came. To divert the whale sharks’ attention, so the

fishermen could continue fishing, the latter would lead them out of the area by feeding them

‘uyap’ further along the coast. (M.A. Ebar, Personal Communication, 11 January 2014.) Then,

tourists started flocking to the beach in Tan-awan not just to see the whale sharks being fed but

also to snorkel or dive with them.

Economically speaking, tourism industry has been a great aid for a place to grow

luxuriantly. With its vigorous growth, a transformation of the usual status of that place could

possibly be very visible and could be perceived clearly as a developed one. But the benefits,

from the impact of it, cannot be easily distinguished.

Substantially, whale sharks, surely have contributed to the local economy of Tan-awan.

(D. Benolaga, Personal Communication. 11 January 2014.) In the light of day, this study aims

to enumerate the direct socio-economic impact of the growing whale shark watching tourism in

the town of Tan-awan, Oslob Cebu and distinguish the effects it has on the whale sharks. This

goal is designed to help the ecotourism of Tan-awan to identify some of the areas that need

attention and thus, provide a panacea. Also, this study would serve as a yardstick on how the

locals really know about their saving grace.

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The study of the effects of the flourishing whale shark watching tourism on the locals and

the whale sharks can be a learning paradigm for other ecotourism spots in the country. This

would help them acquire new knowledge regarding the importance of the conservation of whale

sharks on the local economy. The output of this study is a possible source material that the local

government, resort owners, fishermen, residents and marine enthusiasts can assimilate and

disseminate.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer these questions:

1. What is the socio-economic impact brought by whale shark watching in Tan-awan?

2. What effect(s) does the growth of the whale shark watching tourism industry has on

the whale sharks?

3. What conservation efforts are implemented to preserve and protect the whale sharks?

C. Significance of the Study

Local Government in Tan-awan, Oslob.The boom of the whale shark watching tourism is

of the advantage of the local government of Tan-awan, therefore it is only rightful to say that

they hold the responsibility in implementing appropriate laws that would protect the whale

sharks and preserve their natural habitat. This research aims to identify the problems

surrounding the conversation of whale sharks and so be it addressed to the local officials.

They would be aware of the issues that need to be taken care of.

4

Resort Owners who Offer Whale Shark Watching, Diving, Snorkeling. Whale sharks

have given so much profit to these resort owners and it would only be fair if they do their

part in conserving these gentle giants. This research paper would give resort owners more

information that would help improve the stability and maintenance of their business and to

forestall them on future issues that would question the illegibility of their business.

Fishermen and Residents. This research paper would test how much the local fishermen

and residents of Tan-awan know about what their town is famous for. They will be more

conscious of the significance of whale sharks in their lives and will be prompted to do an

action that would prevent these mammals from extinction.

Marine Enthusiasts. As a marine enthusiast, it would only be proper to have enough

knowledge of the species you are interested in. In this research, whale shark enthusiasts will

be aware that these species are on the verge of extinction and that they should contribute to

its preservation. This will brief them on the precautions that must be taken when interacting

with whale sharks and the downside of diving with them.

D. Scope and Delimitation

Analyses were performed to examine and determine the socio-economic transformation in

Tan-awan, Oslob in the influence of whale shark watching. This study focuses on the effects

brought about by human related activities to these giant fishes, and vice versa.

In totality, this work is delimited to the practice, effect and proposed measures to manage the

whale shark provisioning activities and related tourism industry in the waters of Oslob.

5

E. Materials and methods

This research is both descriptive and analytical where the researchers gather facts on the

socio-economic changes brought by the whale shark tourism industry and analyzes the

information to explain how it affects these marine creatures, respectively. According to Kothari

and Garg (2014), descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding inquiries of different

kind, while analytical research is defined as a type of research that utilizes facts and information

that are available and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material. Critical thinking

is a method that puts assumptions into question to decide whether a given claim is true or false

(p. 2).

The researchers gathered information through surfing related articles, researches, and

journals online. Related documents from the national and local government departments were

collected. Interviews and surveys were conducted to test how much the local fishermen and

residents of Tan-awan know about their tourism state and how it affected their living.

The research underwent gathering, sorting, reviewing, and then analyzing the data coming

from the various sources to be able to come up with a finding or conclusion.

F. Terms and Meanings

a. Whale Shark Watching – is the activity that involves diving, snorkeling, feeding or

simply observing the whale sharks.

b. Whale Shark Watching Tourism – is the tourism industry whose main attraction are the

whale sharks. This is the tourism industry the town of Tan-awan, Oslob is famous of.

c. Tan-awan, Oslob – a small barangay in south of Cebu which is 10 km away from the

center town of Oslob where whale sharks can be seen. You can expect to see up to 150

or more whale sharks including mature males, females and some juveniles. According to

6

the elders, the place was given the name Tan-awan because there used to be a huge rock

in the area where the locals would watch the coming of the Moros, who were their

enemies back then, and so that they can warn the others. (A. Friolo, Personal

Communication. 11 January 2014.)

d. Uyap – the Cebuano name for brine shrimp. Artemia  is a genus of

aquatic crustaceans known as brine shrimp whose populations are found worldwide in

inland saltwater lakes, but not in oceans. (Asem&Rastegar-Pouyani, 2010)

e. International Union for Conservation of Nature – (IUCN, Union internationale pour

la conservation de la nature, in French) is the world’s oldest and largest global

environmental organization and is dedicated to finding "pragmatic solutions to our most

pressing environment and development challenges".The organization publishes the IUCN

Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the conservation status of species. IUCN

supports scientific research, manages field projects globally and brings governments,

non-government organizations, United Nations agencies, companies and local

communities together to develop and implement policy. IUCN is the world's oldest and

largest global environmental network —a democratic membership union with more than

1,200 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 11,000 volunteer

scientists in more than 160 countries. (http://www.iucn.org/about/)

f. Socio-economics – (also known as socioeconomics or social economics) is the study of

the ethical and social causes and consequences of economic behavior, institutions,

organizations, theory, and policy.  The fields of research promoted by ASE include the

mutual relationships among ethics, social values, concepts of social justice, and the social

dimensions of economic life.  Social Economics investigates the relationships between

the economy and society.  Social economists address such questions as: what economic

conditions are requisite for a good society and how can they be achieved; how do social

and moral values influence economic behavior; how does social interaction affect

economic outcomes; what are the ethical implications of economic theory and policy; and

how do different social institutions contribute to a sustainable, just, and efficient

7

economy. The ASE welcomes academics and practitioners who regard human behavior to

be the result of complex social interactions with ethical consequences.

(http://www.socialeconomics.org/).

8

Chapter II

DISCUSSION

In the island of Cebu, Philippines, a small town is quite famous for its whale shark

watching tourism industry. The municipality of Oslob which constitutes 21 barangays is where

Tan-awan, the subject of this study, lies.

The waters of Tan-awan, Oslob have been a significant marine habitat for the whale

sharks. Locals have recalled seeing these gentle giants since their childhood. However, back

then, hunting whale sharks have been traditionally practiced in the area. It was not until March

25, 1998 that Philippines initiated the Fisheries Administrative Order No. 193 which interdicted

all catching, selling, and purchased of whale sharks. It was then that whale shark sighting in the

area have increased (see Appendix Box 1 for Fisheries Administrative Ordinance 193 series of

1998).

When the administrative order was implemented, fishermen continued catching other

fishes and found the whale sharks troublesome because they were interrupting their fishing

activities by driving other fishes away. To divert the whale sharks’ attention, the fishermen used

brine shrimps (‘uyap’), which is abound to that area, as baits luring them further along the coast.

A Korean national, who’s having his vacation in Tan-awan, Oslob, noticed the practice.

He, then, documented it and posted it in different social media sites. Words spread and then,

tourists started flocking in Tan-awan to see the whale sharks. Locals took it into account that

these huge animals could be something they can take advantage of, so after five months of non-

regulated interaction, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Oslob, Cebu drafted and made into

legislation an ordinance which states all the rules and regulation and the fees when interacting

with the whale sharks.

An association called Tan-awan, Oslob Whale Shark and Fishermen’s Association

(TOWSFA), with 200 registered members, was accredited to facilitate and organize the tourist’s

9

experience. In other words, TOWSFA members serve as tourist guides, who are assigned to

guide the visitors during the interaction. The relative percentage of the fee will be assigned and

shared among the group. At the end of each day, the income is divided between the fishermen’s

association, the Municipal Government and the Barangay Government (see Appendix Box 2 for

Resolution No. 296, Ordinance No. 091:s –’12).

Resort businesses are run separately to TOWSFA. Resorts only provide services like

accommodation facilities such as parking, shower and bathroom facilities, seating areas,

restaurants and the other shops in the barangay. Resorts do not receive the profits from the

fishermen’s associated services, and vice versa.

What is the socio-economic impact brought by whale shark watching in Tan-awan?

The whale shark watching tourism in Tan-awan has a variety of socio-economic impacts.

Primary sectors, such as lodging, dining, transportation, amusements, and retail trade, are

affected directly: most other sectors are impacted by secondary effects. An economic impact

analysis of the activity usually focuses on tourism related changes in sales, income, and

employment.

To determine what these impacts are, the researchers conducted a field visit from

February 21 to February 22. Data on the extent of whale shark watching in Tan-awan, Oslob

Cebu were collected using a five step process; (1) interview schedule to five boatmen, five resort

owners, five restaurant owners, and five residents, for a total of 20 respondents, to collect

information on the impact of whale shark watching tourism in their lives and additional data, (2)

access of public documents such as Income Statement from the municipal office, and Guidelines

from the local Bureau of Tourism, and (3) personal interview with a marine biologist.

For the interview schedule, the researchers focused on obtaining the following details; (1)

impact of whale shark watching on their personal lives and in their barangay, as a whole, (2)

their knowledge on the whale sharks, (3) the change in their lifestyle when whale shark watching

10

came (4) monthly income (5) conservation efforts (6) price per dive, (7) perceptions with regard

to the importance of whale sharks to their business and the local community.

Two survey versions were designed, one that would determine their socio-economic

status and one that would answer all queries on whale sharks impact on them, and questions were

often personalized to reflect any data already gathered or specific questions that arose through

the internet research. Most surveys were conducted using the local language.

20%

50%

25%5%

Educational At-tainment

Elementary Graduate

High school Graduate

College Graduate Higher than Col-lege

Vocational Graduate

45%

50%

5%

Occupation

Owns BusinessEmployedUnemployed

Figure 1 Educational Attainment Figure 2 Occupation

Figure 1, a pie chart, clearly shows that 50% of all the respondents have attained high

school in their education while, 25% are college graduate, 20% are elementary graduate and only

5% are vocational graduate. In Figure 2, 50% of all the respondents are employed, while 45%

owns a business and only 5% are unemployed.

Landing a decent job unarmed with a degree requires a lot of perseverance. Surprisingly,

despite the poor education, being only high school graduates, of the majority of all the

respondents, they have managed to land themselves a good source of income in the form of

employment or a business relevant to the whale shark watching industry. The researchers find

this statistic as a confirmation that whale shark watching industry in Tan-awan, Oslob has

provided job opportunities to the locals who were unemployed or underemployed.

11

80%

15%5%

House OwnershipOwns house House and lot

on mortgageBoth Rental Own house, but

not the land is rental

40%

45%

15%

House Structure

Concrete Semi-ConcreteWood

Figure 3 House Ownership Figure 4 House Structure

Figure 3, a pie chart, clearly shows that 80% of all the respondents own their houses and

lots, while 15% are on rental and 5% own house, but the land is on rental. In Figure 4, 45% of

the houses of all the respondents are semi-concrete, while 40% are concrete and 15% are made

of wood.

In the interview, majority of all the respondents have claimed that they have acquired

themselves house and lot through the course of the boom of the whale sharking watching

industry in Tan-awan, and most of their houses are semi-concrete. The researchers see this

statistic as a proof of a positive impact the whale shark watching in Tan-awan, Oslob has on the

respondents. Therefore, the acquisition of their house was all because of the high income

generation of the whale shark watching industry.

70%

30%

Health Status

GoodFairBad

10%15%

60%

15%

Check-upsMore than 5 times a year 5-2 times a yearOnce a year Never

Figure 5 Health Status Figure 6 Check-ups

12

Figure 5, a pie chart, shows 70% of all the respondents said that their health in general is

good, and 30% said that it is fair while no one said that his health in general is bad. Figure 6

shows the 60% of all the respondents go to the hospital for check-up once a year, 15% goes five

to two times a year, 10% goes more than five times a year and 15% never goes at all.

The prevalence of whale shark watching associated with a healthy lifestyle is

significantly higher when compared to an unhealthy lifestyle prior to the boom of whale shark

watching in Tan-awan. This is because the respondents can now afford the luxury of regular

check-up.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 200

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

50000

Comparative Graph of Monthly Income in Peso Before and After Whale Shark Watching in Tan-awan

MONTHLY INCOME BEFOREMONTHLY INCOME AFTER

Respondent

Inco

me

in P

eso

Figure 7 shows the Comparative Graph of Monthly Income in Peso

Before and AfterWhale Shark Watching in Tan-awan.

Figure 7 above, a double bar graph, compares two series of data: the monthly income of

the respondents before and after whale shark watching tourism started in Tan-awan. The

horizontal axis on the graph shows respondents, while the vertical axis shows the amount in

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peso. In figure 7 you can see that there is an increase in the majority of all the respondents’

monthly income after the whale shark watching came. Therefore, the researchers see this an

positive impact brought by whale shark watching tourism to the locals.

Year 2008 Year 2009 Year 2010 Year 2011 Year 2012

Total Assets 957107.99 1027098.85 1130507.74 1159668.27 5720160.18

Total Liabilities and Equity

957107.99 1027098.85 1130507.74 1159668.27 5720160.18

Net Operating Income 98961.05 26016.11 51162.2 105825.58 4524049.62

500000150000025000003500000450000055000006500000

Comparative Balance Sheet

Amou

nt in

Pes

o

Figure 8 shows the Comparative Balance Sheet of Barangay Tan-awan

from year 2008 to 2012 courtesy of Benedicto G. Berungan Jr., Bookkeeper of

Barangay Tan-awan, Oslob Cebu

Figure 8 above, a triple bar graph, compares three series of data: the annual net operating

income, assets, and liabilities and equity of Barangay Tan-awan from the year 2008 to 2012.

The horizontal axis on the graph shows the period of time in years, while the vertical axis shows

the amount in peso. In Figure 8 you can see the almost constant net operating income, assets,

and liabilities and equity in the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. However in 2012, there was a

sudden rise in the annual net operating income, assets, and liabilities and equity.The statistical

analysis showed significant increase in the annual income of Barangay Tan-awan, as a whole.

14

The respondents (N = 20) gave valuable insights into the perceived value of whale shark

watching tourism to their businesses and local community. Seventy percent of the respondents

responding to the survey strongly agree that the whale shark watching tourism has helped

improve their lives, while the rest of the 30% agree, and when asked to rank the impact, on the

scale of one to ten, ten being the highest, 60% gave ten, while 20% gave nine and 15% gave

eight. Nonetheless, all of the respondent survey perceived whale sharks to be important to their

businesses and to the local community.

Researchers also asked how the respondents think of their barangay in the present and

before the boom of the whale shark watching tourism. Surprisingly, all the respondents answer

the same things. Before whale shark watching flourished in their town, Tan-awan was a poor,

undeveloped barangay whose people, are living in poverty and when whale shark watching

came, the town started to develop. People inhabiting the place are now living comfortably and

some, even luxuriously. All of the respondents agree that Barangay Tan-awan became rich

because of the benefits the whale sharks bring.

In Tan-awan, because whale sharks are regularly sighted in any season, all of the

respondents described whale sharks as “vital to keeping the business going”. The ecotourism

provided one alternative to help communities shift towards more sustainable sources of income.

Fishermen, turned boatmen and local resorts, have also been able to supplement their income by

accommodating and taking tourist to see the whale sharks. A resort owner, who just moved in

with his family, stated that without whale sharks, they would have no business at this destination

(G. Miramat, Personal Communication, 21 February 2014).

Direct socio-economic impact estimates from this study confirm that whale shark

watching tourism generates significant socio-economic benefits in the town of Tan-awan. These

estimates are likely to be conservative in that they only take into account the increase of the

15

barangay’s annual net operating income and that the boatman and business operator surveys

confirmed that whale sharks are important factor in the elevation of their lives. Along the soar of

the tourists, different forms of business have started to flock in the area which provided more job

opportunities among the locals. Majority of the townspeople have landed themselves a more

stable and generous source of income. As an effect, people were able to acquire new properties.

Barangay amenities that attract tourists have also improved.

The research also suggests that whale shark watching provides additional economic

benefits, which are not as easily quantified. These are indirect economic impacts or “economic

multipliers”. These are the ripple effects tourism businesses generate throughout a local

economy from purchasing goods and services and employing people, who in turn spend their

wages to purchase goods and services in the community (Stynes, 1997, p. 16). For example, in

the demand analysis, the increase of tourists in Tan-awan resulted to the change in the prices of

commodities. Merchants tend to take advantage so they could increase their profit by

overpricing of the goods sold.

Development is also seen in the industrialization of Tan-awan. Aside from the economic

development, social changes have also been attributed to the coming of the whale sharks. One

respondent claimed that foreign tourists brought with them the kind of liberalism they did not

want. The tourists are constantly seen walking around naked and this has a disturbing effect on

children who see them. On one hand, some of the locals’ behavior has changed drastically along

with preferment (A. Trapa, Personal Communication, 21 February 2014). It seems that social

disintegration has been slowly eating Tan-awan because of the influx of liberalism tourists bring.

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What effect(s) does the growth of the whale shark watching tourism industry has on the

whale sharks?

While some studies on marine megafauna tourism have suggested that improperly

managed tourism might have negative implications for these animals, the results from studies

that have attempted to quantify the effects of disturbance due to human interactions, have not

yielded conclusive results (P. O’Malley et al, 2013). In addition, much discussion surrounds the

understanding of the terms involved in qualifying disruptive behavior or harassment of animals,

with people imposing their own values when interpreting such terms.

There are two types of impacts humans have on animals: direct and indirect. Direct

impacts result from the hunting or harassment of animals, while indirect impacts can result from

habitat modification (Hammit and Cole, 1998). Harassment of animals is defined as an activity

with the potential to have a significant negative effect on an animal’s fitness, and significantly

affect normal behavioral patterns, like feeding and breeding. Harassment of animals may also

affect the whale shark return rate to a particular aggregation area (Colman, 1997; Sorice et al.,

2003).

From interviews with locals, whale sharks are sighted in Tan-awan waters all of the

months of the year, peaking between March and May. The upward trend of tourist visitation in

Tan-awan reflects a potential synergistic impact for both the whale sharks and the local

community. However, the evidence of short or long term negative impacts on whale sharks from

tourism is unclear and difficult to obtain (Colman, 1997; Zeppel, et al., 2009).

The sensitive nature of whale sharks, their aggregation behavior at specific times of the

year, slow maturation rate, and migratory behavior make them susceptible to anthropogenic

impacts (Colman, 1997).

17

One respondent reported concern about overcrowding at some whale shark site, fearing

possible negative impacts to the whale sharks’ behavior, and also noted that whale shark

sightings had decreased at very crowded sites (A. Lopez, Personal Communication, 21 February

2014).

A Belgian marine biologist, Mertens Geraldine, finds the increasing number of tourist,

who wants to see the whale sharks, in Tan-awan, a threat to the gentle giants. As the number of

tourist increases, the number of incident of people obstructing the rules and regulation

implemented when dealing with whale sharks, have persistently been sighted. For example, on

April 3, 2012, photos of a girl riding on the back of a whale shark have been published on the

social networking site, Facebook. This can be attributed as a direct impact since harassment is

involved. On one hand, tourists’ and even divers’ constant interaction with the whale sharks is

an indirect impact that contributes to the imbalance of its marine habitat. For example, the use of

brine shrimps as food that tourist feed on whale sharks is not enough. Geraldine stressed that

this is not natural feeding and may result to some changes in the whale sharks behavior. Also,

due to the way the whale sharks feeding from the boats some whale sharks are developing ‘scar

tissue’ around their mouths. It is likely that this scarring is caused by repeated impact with the

boat during feeding.

While changes to whale sharks’ behavior may be elusive, it is possible to observe

avoidance behavior, such as rapidly diving away from the surface, banking, and attempts by the

whale shark to leave the area (M. Geraldine, Personal Communication, 22 February 2014).

18

What conservation efforts are implemented to preserve and protect the whale sharks?

Working with the community is a fundamental step for the protection of the whale shark.

Awareness and education are the foundations of conservation and no research or legislation will

be possible or effective without the implementation of the guidelines from the front liners.

On 15th April 2012, a set of regulations through an ordinance was made into legislation

to conserve whale sharks while improving the socio-economic status of the community of Tan-

awan. Whale shark watching commandments was implemented by the Local Government Unit

for guests briefing on the rules and regulations before interaction (see Appendix Box 3 and 4 for

the Regulation No. 296, Ordinance No. 091:s-’12).

Every tourist who wants to engage in whale shark watching activities must first attend a

short briefing seminar and sign the Whale Shark Interaction Rules and Regulation Waiver.

Also, several Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) have also showed commitment to

the active promotion of the protection of the whale sharks, through education of local community

and continued research.

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Chapter III

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS

AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Since then, there has been a veritable interest in the world’s largest fish. There are

surprising phases of whale shark life history have emerged, including a tendency to be far more

associated with coasts than previously thought and a propensity to gather in quite large groups

when conditions are right. Combined with gentle manner, these have unfolded whale sharks up

to becoming the cause of tourism activities in Tan-awan, Oslob. Whale sharks watching have

brought people to astonishing experiences which have then generated a significant number of

ecotourism activities. The lifestyle of the coastal community has always been intimately linked

with the marine environment and its resources. Thereafter, maritime industries are looking at

new tenable ways to create a livelihood from the sea, including whale watching as their strong

focus. The coastal people benefit from direct expenditure on whale watching activities and from

flow-on-effects of tourism such as transportation services and resorts and hotels.

Whale shark watching of ecotourism is becoming an agency for transforming

conservation and research into key economic forces. Whale watching, defined by the Whales

Alive, an organization dedicated to protect and conserve marine animals, as any commercial

enterprise which provides for the public to see cetaceans in their natural habitat (as cited IWC,

1994) is one of the fastest growing tourism products in the world. Research shows that marine

mammal viewing results in conservation and socioeconomic benefits for the animals and local

communities alike if it is conducted responsibly (Spradlin, Barre et al. 2001). It has been said

that whale shark watching will lead to a delight probation of and public desire in the sustentation

of the wild life involved.

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Meanwhile, along with its positive effects brought about by these tourism activities are

not without their challenges and in some cases they can develop problems which will threaten

the viability of the industries and sometimes even the whale sharks themselves. Dr. Alistair

Dove, an Australian marine biologist, said by most accounts this is a reasonably well-regulated

concern with an enforced code of conduct for eco-tourists and business operators alike. 

Whale sharks are well known visitors to the Philippines and an ecotourism industry has been in

place around Donsol in Sorsogon province for quite a few years More recently, however, whale

sharks (called “butanding” in Filipino) have begun to aggregate around Oslob in Cebu province

and the situation there is a bit different.  The Oslob whale shark aggregation is not entirely

natural.  According to Dr. Dove, itinerant sharks first began showing up around artisanal fishers

who were collecting krill at night time, presumably for making shrimp paste.  Over time the

fishers learned that they could hand feed the sharks with portions of their catch and eventually

the fishers began retaining the catch from the night before and taking tourists out during the day

and baiting whale sharks with krill (2013). (Dove, 2012)

A Cebuano fisherman’s hand feeds a whale shark.

21

Dr. Dove pointed out that any ecotourism opportunity that is based primarily on baiting a

wild animal in this way is destined for controversy, and for good reason.  It’s not a good idea to

have wild animals becoming dependent on people for food, nor is it wise to interact with them so

closely that they lose their natural wariness of people.  This second point may be of less concern

for whale sharks, which as far as I can tell are fairly indifferent to the presence of people

(although not so with krill!).  The absence of a regulated industry in Cebu has also led to some

prominent instances where people’s conduct around the animals has been less than ideal, the

most famous of which involved a photograph of a small girl smiling as she stands on the back of

a whale shark stranded in shallow water (Sunstar Cebu, 03 April 2012).  More recently, one of

the well-known animals was injured by the propeller of a boat across the eye (which may or may

not have been destroyed, it’s hard to tell because whale sharks can retract their eyes into their

head).  There seems an urgent need to evaluate how ecotourism is occurring in Tan-awan,Oslob

and even whether or not it should. (Dove, 2012)

A Filipino girl stands on top of a stranded live whale shark in Boljoon, Cebu, Philippines.

22

This research will serve as an augmentation of social awareness, human and animal rights

and environmental awareness in our society. As we are committed in raising public cognizance

the researchers are optimistic that this work will have positive effects on the efforts currently

under way to solve problems facing by these activities.

RECOMMENDATION

Based on the findings and conclusions presented, the following are suggested.

1. The researchers recommend that the residents should promote and value of wild life

education above all else.

2. The researchers suggest that the municipality of Tan-awan should have its updated

annual financial report to avoid future anomalies.

3. The researchers suggest that the feeding of the Whale Sharks should be minimized to

avoid the indirect negative effects to the ecological balance.

4. That people there must keep the good traits Filipinos have just like being

conservative, respectful, hospitable, to name a few.

5. That everybody in the place observe cleanliness especially in the place where whale

watching located to maintain its beauty.

6. That the government will always support and promote whale watching since it really

helps a lot in their place economically.

7. That the government should regulate the number of tourist going in contact with the

whale sharks.

8. Department of Education in cooperation with the Local Government Unit must

enforce education on children through parents’ awareness seminars.

23

CONCLUSION

The researcher was able to arrive at these conclusions based on the findings of the study.

1. Tan-awan residents might no longer be interested in sending their children to school

because of their easy source of income.

2. Many of the Professionals in Tan-awan see more income in doing small scale business

than practicing their profession.

3. Economic status of Tan-awan depends on the presence of the whale sharks therefore if

these creatures will be gone, the lives of the people will be back to basic.

Indeed, whale shark watching in Tan-awan, Oslob brings both positive and negative

impact to the people in this certain place. Positive in the sense that the economy in the place

obviously increased. It was clearly shown in the graphs above that there is a visible

transformation in the lives of the people, from extreme poverty into a progressive community.

On the other hand, it also has negative impacts for them. One of these is that the culture of the

people there slowly changed, from being conservative to being liberal. That is because of the

culture brought by tourists who visit in the place and even staying already in the place for good.

The findings from these studies will be used to inform a scientifically sound code of

conduct for these. Such guidelines, combined with educational and interpretive briefings, that

will demonstrate minimal tourists’ impacts on the environment and marine life while also

enhancing their enjoyment of the experience, and ‘user pays’ policies can be employed to cover

the costs of these programs. Deployment of such models in all whale shark tourism locations

could ensure the welfare of the animals as well as continued customer satisfaction and business

success.

24

References:

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2. Norman, B. (2005). International

Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of

Threatened Species. Version 2011.1.

"Rhincodontypus".  Retrieved 11 January 2014 from http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/19488/0.

3. Australian Government: Department of Environment. National Regulations on Whale Shark fishing.Retrieved 11 January 2014 from http://www.environment.gov.au/node/15908.

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4. Philippine Government: Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Retrieve 11 January 2014 fromhttp://www.denr.gov.ph/news-and-features/in-our-region/959-denr-region-7.html.

5. Kothari, C. R., Garg. G. Research

Methodology : Methods and Techniques. (2014) 3rd edition. Retrieve 11 January 2014 from http://www.newagepublishers.com/samplechapter/000896.pdf.

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6. Asem A. and Rastegar-Pouyani N. (2010) Different salinities effect on biometry of nauplii and meta-nauplii of two Artemia (Crustacea; Anostraca) populations from Urmia Lake basin, Int. J. Aqu. Sci. Retrieved 12 Janury 2014 from http://www.alireza-asem.ir/Asem9.pdf.

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9. Stynes D, (1997) Economic Impacts Of Tourism: A Handbook for Tourism Professionals. Retrieved from http://www.onestopmba.com/mba-download/upload/economic%20impacts%20of%20tourism.pdf on 28 February 2014.

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10. P. O’Malley, Katie Lee-Brooks, Hannah B. Medd. (2013) The Global Economic Impact of Manta Ray Watching Tourism. Retrieved from http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0065051&representation=PDF on 25 February 2014.

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11. Zeppel, H. &Muloin, S., 2009. Conservation and Education Benefits of Interpretation of Marine Wildlife Tours. Retrieved in http://eprints.usq.edu.au/18947/1/Zeppel_Muloin_TME_v5n2- 3_PV.pdf?

origin=publication_detail on 25 February 2014.

12. Colman, J., 1997. Whale Shark Interaction Management, With Particular Reference to Ningaloo Marine Park 1997–2007, Western Australian Wildlife Management Program No. 27, Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.

Retrieved on 25 February 2014.

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13. Sorice, M.G., Shafer, C.S., Scott, D., 2003. Managing endangered species within the use/preservation paradox: understanding and defining harassment of the West Indian manatee (Trichechusmanatus). Coast. Manage. 31, 319–338. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/3803278/Managing_Endangered_Species_Within_the_UsePreservation_Paradox_The_Florida_Manatee_Trichechus_manatus_latirostris_as_a_Tourism_Attraction on 25 February 2014.

14. Cole, D. N., and Hammitt W.E., 1998, Wilderment Management Dilemmas: Fertile

Ground for Wilderness Management Researh. Retrieved on 25 February 2014.

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15. Stynes

D,

(1997) Economic Impacts Of Tourism: A Handbook for Tourism Professionals.

Retrieved from http://www.onestopmba.com/mba- download/upload/economic

%20impacts%20of%20tourism.pdf on 28 February 2014.

16. Mary P. O’Malley, Katie Lee-Brooks, Hannah B. Medd. (2013) The Global Economic

Impact of Manta Ray Watching Tourism. Retrieved from

32

http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.p

one.0065051&representation=PDF on 25 February 2014.

17. Zeppel, H. &Muloin, S., 2009. Conservation and Education Benefits of Interpretation

of Marine Wildlife Tours. Retrieved in

http://eprints.usq.edu.au/18947/1/Zeppel_Muloin_TME_v5n2- 3_PV.pdf?

origin=publication_detail on 25 February 2014.

33

18. Colman, J., 1997. Whale Shark Interaction Management, With Particular Reference to

Ningaloo Marine Park 1997–2007, Western Australian Wildlife Management

Program No. 27, Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.

Retrieved on 25 February 2014.

19. Sorice, M.G., Shafer, C.S., Scott, D., 2003. Managing endangered species within the

use/preservation paradox: understanding and defining harassment of the West

Indian manatee (Trichechusmanatus). Coast. Manage. 31, 319–338. Retrieved

from

https://www.academia.edu/3803278/Managing_Endangered_Species_Within_the

_UsePreservation_Paradox_The_Florida_Manatee_Trichechus_manatus_latirostri

s_as_a_Tourism_Attraction on 25 February 2014.

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20. Cole, D.

N., and

Hammitt W.E., 1998, Wilderment Management Dilemmas: Fertile Ground for

Wilderness Management Researh. Retrieved on 25 February 2014.

21. R.S.A.

(April 03,

2012). Maltreatment of whale shark alarms Cebu guv. Sun.Star Cebu. Retrieved

35

from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local- news/2012/04/03/maltreatment-whale-shark-

alarms-cebu-guv-214622 on 7 March 2014.

22. Dove, A.,  August 22, 2012. Whale shark ecotourism: the good, the bad and the ugly.

Deep Sea News. Retrieved from http://deepseanews.com/2012/08/whale-shark-

ecotourism-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/ on 7

March 2014.

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23. Whales Alive. (2009). The Growth And Value Of Whale Watching. Retrieved in

http://www.whalesalive.org.au/whalewatching.html on 7 March 2014.

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37

25. Philippines. Department of Agriculture. Ban on the taking or catching, selling,

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2014.

38

Appendices:

Box 1

Box 2

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Resolution No. 296, Ordinance No. 091:s –’12. Section13. Sharing Scheme. The income of this operation shall be shared and distributed as follows, to wit:

a) Sixty percent (60%) of the income shall go to the accredited association and or cooperative which will be divided among its members according to their agreed sharing scheme.

b) Thirty percent (30%) of income shall go to the municipality which shall accrue to the general fund.

c) Ten percent (10%) shall also accrue to the general fund of the barangay.

d) Income derived on video camera, snorkelling, diving and anchorage shall go to the municipality.

Fisheries Administrative Ordinance 193 series of 1998

Sec 2. Prohibition – it shall be unlawful to take or catch whale shark and manta rays in Philippine waters or to sell, purchase, posses, transport or export the same whether dead or alive, in any state whether raw or processed.

Box 3

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Box 4

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