PB Urges DOT, DA to Regulate Tourism,Business on Sharks and Rays

(PNA) — The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has passed a resolution seeking the regulation of tourist spots or any form of business operations related to, or with prime dependence on endangered sharks and rays among local government units (LGUs) in the province.

The resolution, sponsored by PB Member Miguel Antonio Magpale, urged the Department of Tourism and Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to pass a Joint Administrative Order for this purpose.

Magpale cited the Local Government Code of 1991 which mandates all LGUs to protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the environment, such as dynamite fishing, smuggling, trade and utilization of the endangered species of flora and fauna.

He said depleting number of sharks and rays species such as hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, thresher shark, manta rays and other battoid species are caused by anthropogenic activities, which would lead to reformed status of man as the apex predator of the ecological system.

In the recently concluded 1st Shark Summit held on August 14-15 at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall, various stakeholders aired-out issues and concerns regarding conservation and management of endangered sharks and rays.

Magpale also cited studies which show that Philippines is the center of the marine fish biodiversity and the home of the most diverse marine ecosystem in the world.

“In fact, municipalities such as San Remigio, Oslob, Daanbantayan of Cebu Province are known to tourist for their marine species such as sharks and rays,” he said.

The PB also passed a separate resolution sponsored by Magpale urging all component cities and municipalities in the province to pass an ordinance implementing a total ban on shark fishing, buying and selling in their jurisdictions.

“Sharks as species, are now being intentionally targeted for their meat,” Magpale said.

Reports said shark meat are being used as a substitute ingredient for fish balls because they are cheaper compared to other fish meat. (PNA) CTB/EB