World Council of Whalers - The United Voice of Whaling Peoples

World Whaling

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Philippines

Although the full extent of whaling in the Philippines is not officially recorded, what whaling does occur is small-scale, shore-based and for the most part, opportunistic.
Over 20 species of cetaceans are found in Philippine waters, and though historically it is believed that a variety of these were harvested, only a few are pursued at present, including killer whale and a number of dolphin species. These small cetaceans are caught in directed catches from seven municipalities on the central East Coast of the Philippines. These hunts involve a number of village families, and all meat taken is sold in the village market, or between families. The catch is small; 200-300 dolphins were caught annually up until 1990, but in recent years as few as 2-3 dolphins are taken annually.
Many more dolphins are caught in fisher's nets, with the meat in limited instances being used as bait in the nautilus and shark fisheries, and more commonly as food for community members.

Traditional harpoon whaling occurs in a small number of communities in the south central and southwest, both for whales and some species of dolphin. All meat taken is utilized as food for the local villagers, and occasional strandings of whales and dolphins are also harvested and distributed. As in other parts of the country, all whaling is small-scale and community-based.
The Philippine government placed a ban on the catching of whales and dolphins in 1992, and again in 1997. Although this allows for the activities of the small-scale whale and dolphin fisheries mentioned, it ensures that for conservation reasons, the total catch is small. In light of recent dramatic increases in certain cetacean species, the Philippine government is currently reviewing its' ban on whaling, and there is the possibility that it will be lifted in the future.
The Philippines is not a member of the IWC, nor do the small cetaceans harvested fall within IWC's jurisdiction.