8 whale sharks visit Pangasinan

DAGUPAN CITY—The presence of eight whale sharks known as “butanding” in Lingayen Gulf off San Fabian town has provided fishermen new income and may have indirectly conserved fish resources in the area.

“This is the biggest number of butanding that visited the place and we are hopeful that [they will return] annually,” said Nestor Domenden, Ilocos director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Many residents who want to see the whale sharks up close pay fishermen to take them to the area, he said, thus  distracted them from fishing.

The eight whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), locally known as “Supok,” have been sighted from about a kilometer out to sea, where they graze on tiny shrimps, small fish, plankton and squid.

Two weeks ago, four whale sharks were seen swimming in the same area. The other four apparently joined them which, Domenden said, suggests that the marine environment there is good for them and that they do not feel threatened by the people in the area.

Some residents try to touch the whale sharks, which BFAR discourages because they may get drawn into the waters if the whales flinch, he said. The average size of the eight whale sharks is about five meters long.

BFAR personnel ensure that the whale sharks are not harmed, Domenden said.  Yolanda Sotelo, Inquirer Northern Luzon