The encounter of the blue whale in the Philippines post-whaling era was first observed in 2004 and was known through citizen reporting (e.g. tourist photographs, TV crew footages). Since then recurring sightings by locals were mostly observed in the Bohol Sea but there was very little research effort done to understand the population of the largest mammal on Earth. The blue Whale is categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Endangered (EN A1 abd) globally with few recognized discrete populations. The blue whale population found in the Bohol Sea has not been assessed, its taxonomy remains unresolved, thereby, is not protected under the Philippine law.

This study seeks to:

(1) Resolve the taxonomic identity of blue whale species that are found in the Bohol Sea.

(2) Generate distributional map of the species.

(3) Populate a photo-identification database of baleen whales (including other lesser known baleen whales) to match individuals seen over time.

A combination of boat-based visual surveys, molecular genetic tools, and photo- identification techniques will be used to achieve the objectives. Tissue samples for genotyping analysis will be collected using a remote biopsy dart and conducted simultaneously with the systematic line transect survey to maximize sampling effort. The study area is about 29,000 sq.km. with sea condition influenced by seasonal monsoon. Small islands are interspersed in this marginal sea and bathymetry drops sharply close to the shore. Marine protected areas are also found along the main coastal regions.

Key implication to conservation is the inclusion of blue whale in the list of protected species in the Philippines. Results will serve as basis in the endorsement for legal revision. This legal step is important in the development of appropriate conservation measures. This project also adopts the umbrella species concept which will confer protection on other species, habitat, or ecosystem aside from blue whale itself.