These species have been declared protected creatures under Fisheries Administrative Order 193, Series of 1998. But both species, which are considered delicacies, have not been officially declared endangered although their numbers have significantly declined in recent years because of growing local and foreign demand, mainly in Taiwan. For his part, President Ramos yesterday disclosed that he had issued a ''wide-ranging'' executive order for the preservation of all internationally protected marine species. The President also said that he had directed several government agencies led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, to look into the plight of the whale sharks. Whale sharks are known to take 30 years before reaching sexual maturity.
Mantas are giant rays with wing-like fins that also feed on plankton.
Until now, only marine mammals like dolphins and the endangered dugong are covered by the government's protection and conservation program for marine wildlife. The ban on the harvest of whale sharks and manta rays was recommended by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources director Dennis Araullo. FAO 193 takes effect 15 days upon publication in two nationally circulated newspapers. It will also be unlawful to wound or to kill whale sharks and manta rays in the course of catching other fish. Those accidentally caught in any fishing gear should be immediately released unharmed to the sea, while whale sharks and manta rays which drifted to the shore shall be surrendered to the nearest DA or BFAR office.