When a geographical location serves simultaneously as a human tourist destination and a vital wildlife habitat, the boundary between protection and exploitation frequently blurs. This complex coexistence is captured in "Conservation vs Tourism," a photograph by Pete McGee recognized as the runner-up in the "Humanity vs Nature" category of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s 2026 Environmental Photography Award.
The photograph highlights the contentious practice of feeding endangered whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in Oslob, Philippines. Daily feeding sessions attract steady streams of tourists, creating a revenue stream for coastal communities and establishing a clear financial incentive to shield the species from illegal fishing and finning.
Yet local economic benefits come with ongoing conservation debates. Although regulations exist to limit human contact and restrict feeding windows, marine biologists and conservationists continue to evaluate the long-term consequences of artificial feeding on the animals' natural foraging behaviors, migratory routes, and health. The image presents a nuanced narrative: rather than illustrating a simple conflict between industry and ecology, it examines the delicate compromise required when local economies and wildlife protection intersect.
Photo credits: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Instagram