Blacktip reef sharks spotted in shallow waters of Samboan, Cebu

A video captured by a freediving guide in Cebu has gone viral online after showing dozens of sharks swimming in the shallow waters of Samboan.

According to Kuya Kim Atienza’s report on “24 Oras” on Friday, Kenneth Busalanan captured numerous blacktip reef sharks calmly swimming close to shore, even visible from a nearby highway. 

“Nandoon lang po sila sa may ano talaga, shallow part ng dagat. Mga two meters, three, nandun lang po paikot-ikot lang po sila tapos marami po sila.  Almost 20 to 30 ata 'yung nakita namin doon sa area,” he said.

According to Samboan tourism officials, the presence of these sharks is not unusual. Blacktip reef sharks are commonly found in the waters of Samboan, particularly in the Colase Marine Sanctuary.

“Season po nila ngayon. March, April, hanggang June po 'yan. 'Pag summer season, lumalabas po sila dun sa area na 'yun," he said. 

"Na-surprise lang kami dun kasi first time nakita ng partner ko 'yun,” he added.

Known scientifically as Carcharhinus melanopterus, blacktip reef sharks are easily identified by the distinct black markings on the tips of their fins. 

Per Oceana Philippines science and campaign specialist Diovanie De Jesus, they are typically found in shallow coastal waters and coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines. They usually feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. 

“Matatagpuan sa ating mga coral reefs at widely distributed siya sa Indo-Pacific so kasama na diyan ang Pilipinas,” he explained.

De Jesus added that blacktip reef sharks are generally elusive and rarely pose a threat to humans unless provoked. 

“Hindi naman sila delikado. Kadalasan nga sila pa 'yung takot sa tao at wala namang confirmed na cases ng mga inatake sa Pilipinas. Sila ay nearly threatened,” he said. 

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News