In the Philippines, snorkelling with whale sharks is often promoted as one of the top experiences and must-try activities in the country. It is gaining worldwide recognition as a bucket list activity for many, drawing in tourists from all over the world! Yet, beneath the surface of excitement and media spotlight lies a troubling reality—a dark side to this encounter that raises significant environmental concerns.
Lets delve into the positive and negative aspects of this experience:
In the ongoing debate surrounding Oslob’s whale shark tourism, major environmental organizations such as WWF, Greenpeace, and National Geographic have voiced their concerns. Despite their warnings, the allure of the activity and a general lack of awareness about sustainable practices and ecotourism have fueled the immense popularity of whale shark snorkelling in Oslob.
Artificial Feeding:
Local fishermen hand-feed thawed shrimp to the whale sharks, altering their natural diet and migration patterns. This reliance on handouts can lead to malnutrition and disrupt their normal behaviours. The practice also encourages the sharks to remain in the area, affecting their reproduction and migration cycles.
The WWF believe ‘people should respect the nature of whale sharks, being highly migratory animals which should not be trained to stay in one place. By feeding them, people are modifying their natural behaviour which might severely affect the way they live and reproduce’.
Greenpeace states ‘Conditioning whale sharks to approach boats can also make them more susceptible to injuries and poaching’.Â
Ineffective Regulation:
Despite restrictions being implemented (limits on number of tourists and behaviours), enforcement is lax. The sheer volume of people and boats in the water causes stress to the sharks and increases the likelihood of accidents, such as cuts from boat propellers. Rules like the 3-meter distancing guideline are frequently ignored, exacerbating the impact on the animals.
In 2016 alone, 310,000 tourists visited Oslob to swim with the whale sharks.
A study by LAMAVE found there were on average 40 boats in the water per day in 2018. Without proper regulations, this major crowding has only increased.
Tourist Misconduct:
Many visitors disregard regulations, often with little intervention from guides. Instances of tourists getting too close, touching, or even attempting to ride whale sharks for the sake of selfies are common. Such interactions not only pose immediate physical risks to the animals but also increase the spread of diseases, potentially damaging the local ecosystem in the long term.
To learn more about Whale Shark tourism in the Philippines,
check out these valuable resources:
The Potential Benefits of Oslob's Whale Shark Tourism
It is vital to understand, that while this activity has flaws, it also has a few perks that benefit these gentle giants and the locals. Stopping the activity abruptly is not feasible, as it would severely impact the local community.
Raised Awareness:
While the current practices in Oslob raise ethical concerns, they have also contributed to raising awareness about these magnificent creatures. This heightened awareness can foster a sense of responsibility among visitors, encouraging them to advocate for the protection of whale sharks.
Improved Local Quality of Life:
A considerable portion of the profits generated from this activity is channelled back into the local community, drastically improving the quality of life here for the residents.
Our Conclusion
After thoroughly investigating the impacts on both whale sharks and the ecosystem, it is evident that the current practices are unsustainable and cannot be considered an eco-friendly activity. Engaging in ocean activities should not come at the expense of guaranteeing encounters, nor should it involve baiting the animals or overwhelming them with human presence for photo opportunities.
It is imperative that Oslob significantly enhances its standards by strictly enforcing regulations and implementing severe penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, establishing sustainable limits on the number of boats and individuals allowed in the water simultaneously is essential to mitigate further harm.
Ideally, Oslob should diversify its economy away from reliance on whale shark tourism. Transitioning towards sustainable forms of tourism and agriculture that prioritise environmental preservation is crucial for the long-term well-being of both the community and the ecosystem.
The Ethical Alternative To Oslob
Several places across the Philippines offer ethical encounters with whale sharks.
The main ethical alternative to Oslob is in Donsol, which has a whale shark season between December and May. During this period, these magnificent creatures migrate through Donsol’s waters, drawn by the abundant plankton brought in from the river. This seasonal sensation offers a captivating glimpse into the natural behaviour of whale sharks as they gracefully navigate the ocean currents. The experience here is characterised by strict guidelines prohibiting feeding or touching, ensuring minimal disruption to the sharks’ natural habitat, allowing a win-win situation for both marine life and tourists!
Leyte also offers a more secluded, natural experience involving no feeding, no touching and few tourists.
A brief background to my interest in Environmental Conservation:
In 2021, I had the incredible opportunity to spend three transformative months in Mauritius, where I immersed myself in a marine conservation program as an intern. It was during this time that my love for the ocean grew beyond measure. I found myself captivated by every aspect of marine life, spending countless hours snorkelling, diving, and absorbing knowledge about the intricate ecosystem that thrives beneath the waves. This experience ignited within me a profound interest in conservation efforts and a strong advocacy for ethical experiences and eco-friendly tourism practices.
Among the countless wonders of the ocean, encountering whale sharks has always held a special place on my bucket list. Despite currently living a mere three hours away from Oslob, I have consciously chosen not to participate in the whale shark experience there.
How to know if an animal encounter is ethical:
Ethical tourism, regarding the environment, refers to the practice of travelling and engaging in recreational activities that minimise negative impacts on the ecosystem and promote conservation efforts.
No Guarantees, Please:
Usually, ethical encounters don’t come with a “guaranteed sightings” tag, unless you’re visiting a zoo. If someone’s promising you the moon, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s going on behind the scenes.
Follow the Money Trail:
Ask where the money you’re shelling out ends up. If it’s funnelling back into saving the species or its habitat, you’re probably on the ethical side. But if it’s just lining the company’s pockets, it might be time to reconsider.
Keep an Eye on Rule Enforcement:
Make sure there are rules in place and that they’re being followed. Things like keeping your distance, limiting contact, and treating the animals with respect should be non-negotiable. If they’re not, it’s a red flag for ethical concerns.
By keeping these things in mind, you can make sure your animal encounters are not only enjoyable but also contribute positively to conservation efforts.
Thank you for reading our blog!
We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.Â
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