Large fishes have been spotted near the shore of Carles in Iloilo province's Gigantes Island based on testimonies of local fishers, as gathered by a team sent by the local government unit to probe the stranding incident of a Sei whale species (Balaenoptera borealis) off the coast of Barangay Gabi on February 4. The report, furnished by the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Office of Carles to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional director Remia Aparri, said the marine animal got stranded while it was “in pursuit of target food”. Their target food is presumed to be abundant in the near-shore areas due to the implementation of the marine protected area and the continuous campaign against illegal fishing, the report said.

Marine life thrives near Gigantes Island. (2019, February 7). The Daily Guardian, pp. 3, 14.