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The Spotter

Standing about 3 meters above on top of the boat, the Spotter of the Butanding Interaction Activity should have the keenest of vision. Looking for that black-shadowy thing just below the water surface and a protruding dorsal fin, the Spotter tells the boat skipper the heading. It depends mostly on him the number of dives the group may have for the day.

Fishermen when it's lean season, the boat's crew use the same skills in spotting schools of fish come fishing season.

BIOmen Eco-Tourism Advocates

Eco-Tourism employs Local Fishermen.

The story goes that local fishermen years ago use to hunt these big whale sharks considering that they are believed to be man-eaters. "Better take the first step" mindset. But then with the help of WWF, the local fishermen were informed of the real score about these friendly whale sharks. Encouraging them to protect them instead, the WWF organized the locals and taught them how to do it and offering the place as an Eco-Tourism destination thereby giving them an alternative livelihood. That gave birth to the BIOmen (Butanding Interaction Officer). And that's one for the book.