Marine scientists and biologists in Cebu are warning that whale sharks are naturally wild animals, and that human intervention—even with good intentions—poses risks to their survival. According to the group, the practice of regularly feeding these gentle giants by boat alters their natural behavior and places them in danger when they venture beyond the protected waters of Oslob, where safe interaction with humans is no longer guaranteed.
Conservation Concerns Raised
KL Tapales, an independent marine scientist with 10 years of experience specializing in marine mammals, particularly dugongs, and who has also worked with whale sharks in the Arabian Gulf, emphasized the ethical dilemma. "Regardless of how adaptable a species may be, human interference with natural ecological processes will always raise ethical and conservation questions. Wildlife may adjust to anthropogenic changes, but adaptation should not be mistaken for the absence of impact," Tapales said.
Mylene Sadagnot, a marine biologist teaching at Cebu Normal University (CNU) and currently pursuing a PhD at the University of San Carlos, echoed the sentiment. "Oslob whale shark interaction is still possible, as whale sharks are still observed in neighboring sites, but I hope the municipality of Oslob and the visitors of Oslob will come to understand that wild animals are governed by factors beyond our control. They do not follow our schedules, nor our set of expectations," Sadagnot explained.
Mayor Defends Tourism Operations
In a report by SunStar Cebu on May 26, Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren defended the town's whale shark tourism operations after a four-day disappearance of the animals from May 22 to 25 temporarily halted activities. Guaren dismissed criticisms about feeding the whale sharks, clarifying that the practice is not for their nutrition. He described it as a method to lure the fish from deep waters to the surface. The mayor also attributed occasional declines in whale shark sightings to natural causes such as typhoons, colder sea temperatures, and lack of food in deep waters.
Guaren explained that the revenue collected by the local government consists of regulatory fees used to protect marine resources against exploitation.
