Green sea turtle rescued in Zamboanga del Norte

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – A female green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) was safely rescued, tagged, and released back into the ocean after it was entangled in a fishing net off Barangay Siparok in Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte.

Marie Angelique Go, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Zamboanga Peninsula executive director, told the Inquirer on Thursday that the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Manukan received a report last week from a resident, identified as Malse Balase, that a reptile had been caught in a fishing net.

The CENRO Manukan technical team responded immediately, assessed the turtle’s condition, and later confirmed it was free from injuries, hooks, or other physical threats.

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READ: Green sea turtle nesting site discovered in Batanes

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The sea turtle, commonly called pawikan, measured 70 centimeters (cm) in carapace length and 64 cm in carapace width.

Following standard marine turtle monitoring protocols, Go said the technical team tagged the animal with identifiers on its flippers before releasing it back into the waters off Barangay Siparok.

The incident happened on July 8 but was confirmed only today, July 16.

Go commended the residents’ swift actions, stressing that community vigilance is crucial in protecting marine species.

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The director also urged coastal communities to avoid disturbing, capturing, harming, or keeping marine wildlife.

Any sightings or accidental captures should be reported immediately to the nearest DENR office or local authorities for proper action, she added./coa

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