By Xander Ledesma
Residents in two towns in southern Cebu were surprised when large quantities of herrings (locally known as tamban or tuloy) washed ashore on three separate occasions in late October and early November 2024.
The first incident occurred on Thursday, October 31, in Moalboal, a well-known diving destination. Local residents gathered along the shoreline of Panagsama Beach in the coastal village of Basdiot to collect the abundance of fish that had washed ashore. The herrings returned again on Sunday, November 3, prompting an even larger crowd to gather, including people from neighboring towns such as Dumanjug and Alcantara. Some locals harvested as much as 40 kilos of fish, with some selling their catch, while others opted to dry the fish for preservation.
The second instance of herrings washing ashore occurred on the same day in Argao town. In Barangay Looc, particularly at Lawis Point, residents reported an influx of fish that included sardines, which are similar to herrings. While these sightings of fish masses are not entirely uncommon, the frequency and scale of the event raised concern and curiosity among local authorities.
On Saturday, November 2, a separate marine sighting took place in Lapu-Lapu City when a juvenile whale shark appeared near the coastline of Punta Engano. The sighting was captured on video by a local netizen, showcasing the whale shark swimming near the surface. This sighting of a whale shark coincided with the abundance of fish washing ashore, leading to speculation about the possible connection between the two events.
Garry Lao, the tourism officer of Lapu-Lapu City, urged the public to observe marine creatures from a distance and avoid interfering with their natural habitats. He emphasized the importance of monitoring the presence of sea creatures such as whale sharks, sea turtles, and sardines in the region. Local authorities continue to observe the situation, as such mass washings of fish can have both ecological and economic implications for the communities that rely on the sea for their livelihood.
This unusual phenomenon of fish washing ashore raises questions about the behavior of marine life, particularly how environmental factors such as ocean currents, water temperature, or the presence of predators could have played a role. However, experts have yet to confirm the exact cause of the event. Authorities are also keeping an eye on the juvenile whale shark and any further developments regarding the local marine life.