BOHOL ENACTS STRICTER WHALE SHARK WATCHING ORDINANCE – The Bohol provincial board approved on third and final reading Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-004, or the Enhanced Marine Wildlife Interaction Ordinance, banning the feeding of whale sharks and enforcing a “no approach, no interaction” standard to protect the marine animals’ natural behavior. The science-based measure prioritizes conservation over commercial interests as the province prepares to reopen its whale shark watching attraction under stricter, more sustainable guidelines. (Contributed photo)
The whale shark watching activity in Bohol is expected to reopen soon, with a proposed ordinance allowing the activity undergoing finalization.
Board member Benjie Arcamo said areas wanting to host whale watching activities need to apply with the Provincial Government and comply with requirements to obtain a certificate of compliance.
A special session of the Provincial Board passed the ordinance on third and final reading last Friday, following its passage on second reading on Feb. 23, 2026.
Once the law is signed by the governor, implementing rules and regulations will be drafted to govern the activity.
Arcamo acknowledged the challenge of regulating the number of hosts, saying the implementing rules will determine the specifics.
The rules must align with the ordinance, particularly on marine protected areas, to ensure conservation.
The whale shark watching was previously closed due to violations of an ordinance banning the feeding of marine animals, which remains prohibited.
Luring or manipulating marine animals is still illegal under the new ordinance, only allowing natural display.
The closure has affected Bohol’s tourism industry, as foreign tourists often visited Bohol to see the whale sharks.
The towns of Lila, Albur, and Dauis previously hosted whale watching activities.