2 whale sharks spotted off CamSur coast

LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY, Philippines — Two whale sharks were spotted in the waters off Calabanga, Camarines Sur, on Thursday afternoon, drawing the attention of residents as the marine animals swam just meters from the shoreline.

Paul Christian Santos, village chief of Barangay Baybay, said in a phone interview that residents noticed the whale sharks when their fins surfaced above the water. Numerous birds were also seen flying over the animals.

Santos said the whale sharks remained in the area for several hours before disappearing before nightfall. Despite strong waves pushing them closer to shore, the animals did not become stranded.

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The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said whale sharks typically begin appearing in the region in November, marking the start of their season. The presence of abundant food in the waters may also have attracted the animals to the area.

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Manuel Narvadez Jr., WWF Philippines Donsol Integrated Conservation Program manager, said the appearance of whale sharks was a positive sign that could draw more tourists to coastal areas, particularly Donsol, Sorsogon, where the marine animals are commonly sighted.

“If people encounter these gentle giants, they should not catch or harm them. If the whale sharks become stranded, they should try to guide them back to the sea,” Narvadez said.

He also urged residents to photograph the whale sharks’ gill areas, if possible, to help identify the individual animals. /cb