Tourism and Conservation

Tourism is an important tool in the conservation of marine wildlife and if done responsibly, could effectively protect threatened species, raise awareness, and provide livelihood opportunities.

DOT-DA-DILG-DENR JMC No. 01 s. 2020 Rules and Regulations governing the conduct of Marine Wildlife Tourism Interactions in the Philippines Joint Memorandum Circular - The JMC ensures that the proper guidelines are followed when interacting with marine wildlife for tourism purposes for the safety of tourists, protection of the wildlife, and the enhancement of the experience.

Marine Wildlife Interaction Guidelines Posters: Small and Large Cetaceans The following guidelines are recommended for tours dedicated to DOLPHIN and WHALE interactions on a boat. In-water activities are prohibited. Zones are established with minimum distances, maximum interaction time and maximum number of boats. These are especially important if there are numerous visitors participating in this activity throughout the day.

Marine Wildlife Interaction Guidelines Posters: Dugong The following guidelines are recommended for tours dedicated to DUGONG interactions on a boat and in-water. Zones are established with minimum distances, maximum interaction time and maximum number of boats and tourists in the water. These are especially important if there are numerous visitors participating in this activity throughout the day.

Marine Wildlife Interaction Guidelines Posters: Marine Turtles The following guidelines are recommended for tours dedicated to MARINE TURTLE interactions on land, a boat, or in-water. Zones are established with minimum distances, maximum interaction time and maximum number of tourists. These are especially important if there are numerous visitors participating in this activity throughout the day.

Marine Wildlife Interaction Guidelines Posters: Whale Shark The following guidelines are recommended for tours dedicated to WHALE SHARK interactions on a boat and in-water. Zones are established with minimum distances, maximum interaction time and maximum number of boats and tourists in the water. These are especially important if there are numerous visitors participating in this activity throughout the day.

General Marine Wildlife Interaction Guidelines Posters: Prohibitions In destinations where you could interact with marine wildlife such as marine mammals, marine turtles, sharks and rays and where dedicated tours are operating, the following guidelines are recommended. Following these guidelines mean: 1. Avoiding serious, long-term damage to marine wildlife and habitats, 2. Helping tourism bring income to local communities while promoting conservation and biodiversity protection, 3. Ensuring safety of the community, tour operators and tourists, and 4. Enhancing the interaction experience of tourists.

Marine Wildlife Interaction Guidelines Posters: Sharks and Rays

Marine Wildlife Interaction Guidelines Posters: Aerial Approach