Tañon Strait, Protected marine strait between Cebu and Negros islands, Philippines.
Tañon Strait is a narrow body of water between Cebu and Negros islands in the central Philippines, running from the Visayan Sea in the north down to the Bohol Sea. The strait is relatively slim at its narrowest and widens toward its southern end, with the seafloor dropping to considerable depths in certain sections.
In 1998, the Philippine government declared the strait a protected area, making it the largest marine sanctuary in the country at the time. The move came in response to growing pressure on the waters from overfishing and other human activity.
Local fishing communities along both coasts have relied on these waters for generations, and you can still see boats using traditional methods as part of daily life. The strait remains central to how people here make their living and connect with the sea.
Boat trips leaving from Bais on the Negros side are the main way to get out on the water and spot marine mammals, and sightings are possible throughout the year. Going out early in the morning tends to give calmer conditions and a better chance of seeing animals.
The strait is home to one of the largest known populations of dwarf sperm whales in Southeast Asia, a species that is rarely seen in most parts of the world. Unlike many marine mammals, these whales are present in the strait year-round rather than during a single season.
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