The presence of thresher sharks in the Sipaway Island Marine Protected Area (MPA) in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental was captured by the underwater video of Lasse Gerres, Ronja Trübger, and the team from Whispering Palms and Sipaway Divers on Oct. 25.
The activity is part of an assessment made by Pacific Environment, accompanied by CEMO-Coastal Resources Management Division, according to a statement issued by the San Carlos City government.
The sharks (Alopias spp.) are protected under Philippine laws—RA 9147 (Wildlife Act) and RA 8550 (Fisheries Code) as amended by RA 10654. These laws help prevent overfishing and protect threatened marine species.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sharks play a key role in keeping our oceans healthy. They help control fish populations, protect coral reefs and seagrass beds, improve fish genetics, and even support coastal economies through tourism.*
