Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE)
Impact Producer: Sally Snow
“IYO ANG DAGAT” (The Sea is Yours) explores the deep and complex relationship between people and sharks in the Philippines. Through the eyes of fishermen, park rangers, tour operators, enforcement officers, and conservationists, the film reveals how sharks and rays intersect with daily life—and why now is a critical moment for their protection.
On Palawan island, fisherman Boi sets his hooks when a whale shark appears, trailing snorkelers and a tour boat. Tensions rise—will he have to pull up his gear, or will tourism make way? Researchers Ariana and Titus hope that science and collaboration can help balance livelihoods and conservation.
Far offshore in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, ranger Segundo spends months on an isolated station protecting one of the world’s top marine reserves. His mission is personal—he’s dedicated over 20 years to these waters, often at the cost of family time. His greatest challenge: safeguarding the park while raising a family back home.
Ariana, Titus, and Segundo track sharks between Tubbataha and nearby Cagayancillo, home to an active shark fishery. There, we meet Warlito, a fisherman who reflects on what sharks mean to his community and how their presence shapes local life.
Back on land, enforcement teams respond to one of Palawan’s largest shark fin busts. Meanwhile, Boi shares how he now releases sharks alive—proving that small changes can make a big impact.
As the cast reflects on their roles and hopes, “IYO ANG DAGAT” asks a vital question: Can we protect sharks—and the people who depend on the sea—before it’s too late?
- Runtime76 minutes
Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE)
Impact Producer: Sally Snow
“IYO ANG DAGAT” (The Sea is Yours) explores the deep and complex relationship between people and sharks in the Philippines. Through the eyes of fishermen, park rangers, tour operators, enforcement officers, and conservationists, the film reveals how sharks and rays intersect with daily life—and why now is a critical moment for their protection.
On Palawan island, fisherman Boi sets his hooks when a whale shark appears, trailing snorkelers and a tour boat. Tensions rise—will he have to pull up his gear, or will tourism make way? Researchers Ariana and Titus hope that science and collaboration can help balance livelihoods and conservation.
Far offshore in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, ranger Segundo spends months on an isolated station protecting one of the world’s top marine reserves. His mission is personal—he’s dedicated over 20 years to these waters, often at the cost of family time. His greatest challenge: safeguarding the park while raising a family back home.
Ariana, Titus, and Segundo track sharks between Tubbataha and nearby Cagayancillo, home to an active shark fishery. There, we meet Warlito, a fisherman who reflects on what sharks mean to his community and how their presence shapes local life.
Back on land, enforcement teams respond to one of Palawan’s largest shark fin busts. Meanwhile, Boi shares how he now releases sharks alive—proving that small changes can make a big impact.
As the cast reflects on their roles and hopes, “IYO ANG DAGAT” asks a vital question: Can we protect sharks—and the people who depend on the sea—before it’s too late?
- Runtime76 minutes