I was very concerned to learn of the recent comments made in Cebu City at the Tanon Strait Protected Seascape Stakeholders' Summit concerning possible culling of marine top predators in Philippines' waters. There appears to be concern about falling fisheries catches in this region and the belief that this decline is being created (or perhaps exacerbated) by the presence of whales, dolphins and sharks. The simple equation that predators eat x tons of fish or squid (perhaps based on a calculated metabolic need) does not mean that this quantity would otherwise be available to fishermen if the predators are removed.

Simmonds, M. (2015, March 4). Celebrate the presence of whales, dolphins and sharks in your waters. The Manila Times, p. A5.