The discovery of a newborn whale shark (Rhincodon typus) in the waters off Donsol town, Sorsogon province, illustrates the urgent need to further protect the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape from threats that may bring harm to the endangered species, according to marine scientists. A scientific paper published in the Journal of Fish Biology by the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (Lamave) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Bicol said the discovery early this year suggested that these waters are important reproductive habitats for the species, locally known as “butanding,” and crucial for their survival. The article, published in November, reported the discovery of the newborn male whale shark by a member of Donsol’s tourism office on March 15 in shallow waters, where it was possibly caught when the tide retreated.

Enano, J. O. (2020, December 22). Newborn 'butanding' prompts call to protect marine habitat. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A10.