THE PHILIPPINES'
PEOPLE-POWERED
LOCAL CAMPAIGNS

Contrary to the press statement that the underwater theme park would "advocate ocean protection," it will accomplish the exact opposite. By building artificial structures, you will undeniably damage and disrupt Palawan's marine ecosystems -- our Last Frontier. If you are sincere and serious about marine conservation, the money allocated for the underwater theme park should be invested in marine protected areas, sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and environmental education programs. For a channel that targets children, Nickelodeon is setting a terrible example to the younger generation by taking away their right to enjoy our natural resources. We don't need an underwater theme park -- our underwater life is fascinating, entertaining, and educational on its own.

Sharks, rays, and chimaeras are valuable to our seas and the world’s oceans, with over 200 shark species are found in the Philippines. Sharks help regulate populations of other species, maintaining ecosystem balance, and help our economy as well. The Manta Bowl in Ticao, Masbate receives ~USD 1.4 million in direct economic impact. The whale shark interaction site in Donsol, Sorsogon contributed an estimated ~USD 780,000 to the Philippine economy in 2005, with 20% of the revenue being retained locally. Eighty percent (80%) of Daanbantayan’s municipal economy is fueled by the thresher shark SCUBA diving tourism industry. Shark fisheries provide a source of income for many coastal communities, with shark fins exported to global trading hubs while the meat is consumed locally. There is also a local market that utilizes the liver, cartilage, and skin of the shark, and manufacture them into health supplements, personal care products, clothing, and furniture accessories. Sharks may be amongst the oldest surviving marine vertebrates. However, they are vulnerable to many threats and are not protected on a national scale. Driven by an annual trade value of $1 billion, humans kill about 100 million sharks every year. The global shark population is experiencing an unprecedented decline, and ⅓ of all species are threatened with extinction. These cartilaginous species easily succumb to fishing pressure and because they reproduce slowly. But sharks are worth much more swimming in the seas than dead. Our victory for the protection of shark and ray species at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2016 means that sustainability must first be proven before international trade is granted through a permit process. In order to protect other shark species in our waters, and restore the health of our seas, legislators must pass a shark policy. The world has spoken at the CITES – it is time for us to do our part to ensure that not only a handful of these species are protected, but conservation measures are created for all shark species. How you can help: 1. Sign this petition and share it to your networks! 2. Share our posts on social media sites and include #ConservePHSharks Facebook: facebook.com/savesharksph Twitter: @savesharksph 3. Do not consume or purchase any product with sharks, rays, and its by-products and derivatives. 4. Report sightings of shark and ray species in wet markets, dive sites, shops, or restaurants to SSNP TAKE PART. MAKE CHANGE.

Since 2014, 5 false killer whales, 6 bottlenose dolphins, and 1 sea lion, have died in captivity in one marine park alone in the Philippines. There could be more unrecorded deaths since then in other marine park establishments. The attractions of Ocean Adventure Subic Bay harm marine life and do not teach people about the protection of marine animals. Moreover, it should be established that holding, grabbing, and poking any form of marine life can cause them great distress and inflict injuries. In cases of rescued marine animals, such as sea turtles, they should be immediately put in rehabilitation and be released afterwards. Additionally, feeding the fish, or any other marine animal for that matter, breeds dependence among them, which is dangerous to their health. (They become reliant on the food source being fed) This practice further disrupts the ecological balance because the alteration in behavior it costs fish and other marine life also prevents them from feeding on algae growing on corals. Lastly, keeping any marine animal in enclosed spaces decreases its lifespan. Say no to marine animals kept in captivity. Let’s keep them in the wild!