The Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) recently revealed the depletion of reef sharks in the Philippines.

"While the Philippines still hosts a few sites where sharks are still relatively common thanks to some degree of local or national protection, this study does confirm the general absence of these species from reefs and coastal ecosystems across the country," LAMAVE said.

It is optimistic, however, the establishment of key conservation measures may help recover and preserve what remains of the population.

In any case, LAMAVE admitted reef sharks are now virtually absent on many of the world’s coral reefs, citing a global study published in Nature by Global FinPrint last July 22.

Of the 371 reefs surveyed in 58 countries, sharks were not observed on nearly 20 percent of these, indicating a widespread decline that has gone undocumented on this scale until now.

Essentially no sharks were detected on any of the reefs of six nations namely Dominican Republic, French West Indies, Kenya, Vietnam, Windward Dutch Antilles, and Qatar. Among these, a total of only three sharks were observed on more than 800 survey hours.

LAMAVE, which is the Philippine counterpart for the global study, has conducted surveys using baited remote underwater video systems across reefs in different sites in the Philippines including the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site, and the waters surrounding the islands of Cagayancillo, Cawili, Arena in Palawan, Ticao in Masbate, Matnog in Sorsogon, and Apo Reef Natural Park and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro.

Results revealed almost zero shark sightings in all areas except for the waters of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and Apo Reef Natural Park which are large and well-established marine protected areas.

LAMAVE said that the situation in the Philippines while alarming is slightly more positive.

"This study demonstrates that reef sharks in the Philippines face an uncertain future but optimistic solutions remain by following best practices from countries with successful shark management initiatives," said Ryan Murray who led the research for LAMAVE.

"The recovery of reef sharks in the Philippines will require intervention from the government to establish large dedicated shark sanctuaries with strict enforcement policies and the implementation of sustainable fishing practices," he pointed out.

However, Murray said both measures will require government investment to support alternative livelihood programs and capacity building for coastal fishing communities which would help to ensure their cooperation and compliance.

LAMAVE cited that within the Philippines, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site in Palawan is a clear example on how proper governance and planning can make the difference as to whether these species thrive or become locally extinct.

Citing recent studies, LAMAVE said that the park is seen as a global example of success as it hosts one of the highest densities of whitetip reef and grey reef sharks ever measured.

Launched in the summer of 2015, Global FinPrint’s data were generated from baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) that consist of a video camera placed in front of a standard amount of bait called a "Chum Cam."

Coral reef ecosystems were surveyed with BRUVS in four key geographic regions, namely Indo-Pacific, Pacific, Western Atlantic, and Western Indian Ocean.