Whale sharks tourist attractions in Ilocos Norte

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines — Despite the indignation expressed by various animal rights groups, stranded whale sharks have become a tourist attraction in Barangay Pasalen, a town in Pagudpud, Northern Ilocos, where tourists and other local visitors get the chance to see these rare gentle giants up close.

However, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) expressed alarm after receiving a report that residents in Barangay Nalvo, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur have buried a whale shark there.

According to Benny Saraos of BFAR, the 15-foot whale has several contusions all over its body and showed signs of being caught in a dynamite blast, conducted during an illegal fishing expedition.

In Ilocos Norte, Arthur Valente, head of the Fisheries Section of the Provincial Agriculture Office, said that there were about seven sightings of “butandings” in the calm beaches of Pagudpud.

These sea mammals measure about 12 to 17 meters and weigh from 20 to 30 metric tons.

Valente added that there are already many local tour guides in Pagudpud ready to assist and bring tourists to known spots where whale sharks are frequently sighted.