The world's largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) have learned to feed from local fishermen, who sprinkle krill in the water for the sharks to suck into their gills. So "domesticated" have the local sharks become, that tourists now congregate to Tan-Awan town in Oslob to snorkel in the waters as the sharks slowly circle the waters, sucking in a free meal.
Oslob has gained enormous coverage as numerous whale sharks locally referred to as the “butandings” are seen lurking and frequently visiting their shores. By far one of the biggest sea creatures in the world, these “gentle giants” have become so used to the presence of humans that tourists and spectators can’t help but be awed after having a close encounter with the butandings.
Efforts to preserve and safeguard these whale sharks are constantly being put in place to prevent these water creatures from being harmed and abused. Tourists are dissuaded from having transactions with unauthorized entities and fishermen, but to approach only legal whale watching operators. It is of equal importance that tourists get the satisfaction of communing with these magnificent creatures while following the rules to protect these whale sharks.
photo credits to: Paul Paul Hilton / Greenpeace
source: https://www.tripsavvy.com/things-to-do-in-oslob-philippines-1629752
http://www.everythingcebu.com/attractions/places/awesome-oslob/
