The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Boracay facilitated the release of marine turtle hatchlings on January 5, 2023 at beach area of Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, Punta Bunga, Brgy. Yapak, Boracay Island in Aklan.

A total of one hundred thirteen (113) healthy Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtle hatchlings were set free by CENRO Boracay personnel.

The turtles emerged from their nest at the beachfront by about 9:00 o’clock in the evening of January 4, 2024 and they were also those in the marine turtle nesting activity on November 14, 2023 and monitored last November 16 of the same year.

CENRO Boracay coordinated with the Management of Shari-La Hotel Boracay through their General Manager, Mr. Hans Martin Gfrei. The hatchlings were kept in a storage box or cooler to keep them safe from predators and from the stormy weather on the night prior to their release.

During the release, a short depression or channel was made in the sand to allow the easy and directed passage of the marine turtle hatchlings from the beach towards the sea. The activity was also witnessed by the management, staff, and guests of the said resort.

“It gives us hope that these hatchlings were safely released into the wide, open sea where they can now thrive. I laud the efforts of CENRO Boracay to continue monitoring turtle nesting sites on the island. This activity is also a learning opportunity for those who witnessed the turtle release first-hand. Marine turtles play an important role in our oceans and it is our collective responsibility to protect them,” DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran stated.

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Regional Releases
Published: 11 January 2024