BANGKOK, Oct 15 (TNA) — Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has seriously warned Jet Ski riders not to disturb Bryde’s whales off Phetchaburi province.
The warning followed reports of tourists on about 20 Jet Ski boats recently approaching Bryder’s whales near the coast of Phetchaburi.
Mr Varawut said he ordered the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to seriously educate tourists on their environment-friendly sight of Bryde’s whales there.
“The Bryde’s whales that arrive to feed along the Phetchaburi coast on Octobers and Novembers are the valuable gifts from nature. So, tourists who want to see Bryde’s whales must help protect them and follow rules. You must consider other people and local residents who depend on income from tourism generated by Bryde’s whales. Disturbing or scaring the whales can chase them away for good,” Mr Varawut said.
He praised strict measures to protect whale sharks off Cebu where, he said, motored boats were banned for tourists’ sight of whale sharks and swimmers were told not to apply sunscreen cream to prevent seawater contamination. (TNA)
