Turtles release and rescue in Negros Occidental

It is such a lovely sight witnessing the tiny flippers of the turtle hatchlings race to the sea!

Sea turtles and any other marine organism play a vital role in the ecological balance, and they also play an important role as the most charismatic marine animals on the planet. Thus, conservation and protection to these precious animals are very important to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 6.

In the morning of February 07, 2024, at the sandy shores of the CENRO Kabankalan- Sipalay Satellite Office in Barangay 1, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, number of Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings was released by the CENRO Kabankalan personnel Raymond Lirazan, together with Mr. Edsel Toledo, Bantay Dagat Member.

Edsel Toledo, the Bantay Dagat Coordinator, documented the nest on December 17, 2023, when beachgoers observed an Olive Ridley turtle laying eggs.

A total of sixty-two (62) lively and healthy hatchlings successfully reached the ocean but there are sixteen (16) unhatched eggs.

Meanwhile, on February 14, the Municipal ENRO Valladolid personnel in the Province of Negros Occidental, rescued a female Green Sea Turtle which was trapped in a fish cage. It was then turned-over to CENRO Bago City and with the assistance of EMS II Rosendo Lopez Jr., the marine turtle was examined for any surface injuries and other signs of physical trauma.

After the examination of the Green Sea Turtle, Lopez found no visible trauma/ injury and an immediate release back to the ocean was recommended. It measured 75 cm in length and 80 cm wide, tagging was also made to track its future route.

“Turtle releases, whether hatchlings, juvenile, and aged, gives us hope that we still have a healthy shore for them to nest and lay eggs. It is always a sight to see!” DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said.

“A reminder to all, we have these precious marine creatures to take care of, alongside with the other terrestrial and marine animals, they play an important role to our ecological balance,” RED Duran added.

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