CAMIGUIN ISLAND, Calayan, Cagayan, May 22, (PIA) – In line to the observation of the Ocean Month this May, thirty two (32) young environmentalists from the different universities and colleges in Cagayan and Batanes have participated in an ‘Environmental Youth Camp’ initiated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 2 (DENR-2) in this island on April 15-22, 2013.

Forester Enrique Pasion, chief- coastal resources management division, said the youth camp aimed at exposing young environmentalists on marine ecosystem to enrich their awareness on the marine resources of region 2.

Pasion stated that the six-day camp was focused on the detection and study of characteristics of humpback whales that thrives along the Babuyan channel.

“We exposed them on how to detect the presence of humpback whales in the area by using our spotting scope and sound recording facilities. We are glad to inform you that we detected some of the whales in the area that is why we also conducted information drive to some of the residence of the island to help in protecting and monitoring the marine resources,” Pasion stated.

Pasion also believes that Babuyan Channel is the breeding ground of humpback whale. However, he also stated that the mammals only stay in the area during summer season and migrate to other areas in the rest of the year.

“We have to educate our youth on these resources because whales are predators and their presence is a determinant of a healthy marine ecosystem. If they are already gone, it means a threat to the marine environment,” Pasion said.

He further said that part of the study is to assess the possibility to present the area a one of the tourist destinations of Cagayan by promoting whale watching.

Pasion also added that the participants were also exposed on snorkeling which is one potential tourism activity in the area, showcasing the beautiful and rich marine biodiversity of Camiguin Island.