Press Release
Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Regional Office No. 5
San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur
Email: region5@bfar.da.gov.ph
Website: www.bfar.da.gov.ph
Telefax: (054) 361-2326

BFAR-BICOL HOLDS WHALE SHARK PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION CONFERENCE

The representatives from the participating government agencies show their big smiles in the 1st National Technical Conference on the Protection and Conservation of Whale Sharks in the Philippines in Sorsogon City.

This 3-day activity was in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) – Philippines. The speakers and participants are representatives from Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, Department of Tourism, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, the LGU and Municipal FARMC of Donsol and FARMC Coordinators from BFAR Regions 2, 4B, 10, 11 and 12.

The conference discussed the whale shark researches of WWF-Philippines such as the photo-identification of whale sharks, the whale shark tagging, genetic research and the reconnaissance of the physico-chemical parameters of Donsol waters. Also discussed are the Philippine Laws and International Laws and Agreements embraced by the Philippine Government, the role of the concerned national government agencies, the Local Government Units and FARMCs in its Protection and Conservation, the Donsol Whale Shark Ordinance, the Whale Shark Interaction Code of Conduct and the Assessment of Butanding Interaction Tours.

Moreover, a workshop was held to present the whale shark stranding and sighting incidents in the different regions to come up with a mapping of these strandings.  The Administrative Order 282 (Intensifying the Protection of whale sharks in the Philippines) was also discussed on how these various government agencies can intensify the whale shark protection and conservation.

Certificates of commendation were given to the Sorsogon Provincial Agricultural Office- Fisheries Division and the Provincial Veterinary Services as the BFAR’s whale shark stranding response partners while the Sorsogon Provincial Museum and Heritage Center, Inc. was also awarded a commendation for the preservation of a sample whale shark vertebrae for its whale shark replica display and as advocate of its protection and conservation.

BFAR Bicol Director Dennis del Socorro was glad that various agencies have been finally convened to discuss about the protection and conservation of the whale sharks.  He added that it is interesting to note how diverse the resources of Bicol waters are for having the Sinarapan, Mistichthys luzonensis, the smallest commercial fish found in the Rinconada lakes and the whale sharks, the largest fish. The bureau is appealing to every Filipino to continuously act as stewards of these important fish species especially by advocating its protection and conservation. (n.enolva)

This young butanding in Sorsogon was jointly rescued by the Fisheries Regional Emergency Stranding Response Team (BFAR5-FIRST) and the coastal residents.

For more information, please contact:
RONALDO A. CANABE
OIC, IEC Management Services
BFAR Regional Office No. 5
Tel. No. (054) 478-4508
CP Nos. 0917-8431480 / 0999-7342850