Nearly 300 sea turtle hatchlings released in Catanduanes, Sarangani

Clockwise from top left, sea turtle hatchlings are released along the shorelines of Virac, Catanduanes, and Glan, Sarangani, as part of conservation efforts to protect marine turtle populations. (Photos courtesy of Penro Catanduanes and Cenro Glan)

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 299 sea turtle hatchlings were released in separate conservation activities in Catanduanes and Sarangani, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

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In Virac, Catanduanes, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) released 210 green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings on June 16 in celebration of World Sea Turtle Day.

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The first release involved 108 hatchlings at Tampad Beach in Barangay Talisoy. Another 102 hatchlings were released later that day at Bosdak Beach in Barangay Magnesia del Sur.

Meanwhile, 89 Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings, locally known as pawikan, were released on July 1 along the shoreline of Purok Balolao in Barangay Taluya, Glan, Sarangani.

The release site is within the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.

According to DENR-Cenro Glan, the emergence of the hatchlings was reported by Bantay Dagat volunteers Danny Paradila and Donald Selim, allowing personnel to facilitate their safe release into the sea.

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The activity was witnessed by representatives of the Barangay Taluya local government, community members, and on-the-job trainees from the College of Arts and Sciences of Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College.

DENR-Cenro Glan said marine turtle conservation is crucial, citing natal homing and imprinting, which help hatchlings recognize their nesting beach and return there as adults.

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It said only about one percent of sea turtle hatchlings reach adulthood because of natural and human-induced threats.

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Following the Catanduanes release, Penro Catanduanes conducted a Communication, Education, and Public Awareness campaign among residents and stakeholders to promote marine wildlife conservation and community participation in protecting coastal habitats.

Personnel also secured and monitored identified marine turtle nests in the area.

The green sea turtle is classified as endangered, while the Olive Ridley sea turtle is listed as threatened under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09.

Both species are protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits the collection, possession, transport, and trade of wildlife without government authorization.

DENR said marine turtles continue to face threats such as habitat loss, marine pollution, bycatch, climate change, and other natural and human-induced dangers.

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Penro Catanduanes urged the public to report stranded, injured, illegally kept, or threatened wildlife to the nearest DENR office or local authorities for proper rescue, rehabilitation, and disposition. /dm