Oslob, Cebu: Where Whale Sharks Meet Ecotourism and Conservation Efforts

Whale shark credit: Aba Khao Lak

In the past, fishermen in Oslob saw whale sharks as competition, fearing they would reduce their catches. Over time, they realized these massive yet gentle creatures posed no threat to their livelihood. Instead of driving them away, they started feeding them at the surface, which led to a booming tourism industry where visitors can swim with the whale sharks. This practice has sparked controversy, with some arguing that hand-feeding disrupts their natural behavior and makes them dependent on humans. However, marine biologist Dr. Simon Peirce has pointed out that the amount of food given is only a small fraction of what a whale shark consumes daily, so they still migrate and hunt naturally. While the ethics of this type of ecotourism are debated, it has provided a new source of income for local communities and an opportunity to educate the public about these incredible creatures.