In a joint conservation effort, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), along with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Casiguran and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, rescued and released an endangered female Green Sea Turtle (๐๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ช๐ข ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฅ๐ข๐ด) back into the coastal waters of Barangay Ditinagyan.
Alfred Collado, DENR provincial head in Aurora, reported that the marine turtle was accidentally trapped in a fish corral owned by a local resident, who promptly turned it over to the DENR for proper handling.
Based on the assessment made by the DENR community office in Casiguran led by Ariel Mendoza, the turtle measured 42 centimeters in curved carapace length (CCL) and 41.8 centimeters in curved carapace width (CCW).
The assessment showed that the animal had no visible injuries and was in good condition.
Following a thorough examination and tagging, the turtle was immediately released back into the waters of Casiguran Bay.
The Green Sea Turtle is classified as endangered under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, which contains the updated list of Philippine threatened fauna and their categories.
The species is also protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said more marine turtle sightings in coastal areas are expected in the coming weeks as the breeding and nesting season approaches.
“We urge everyone to remain vigilant and responsible stewards of our environment as the breeding and nesting season of marine turtles begins,โ Pablo said.
The executive director emphasized the vital role coastal communities play in the protection of marine turtles, urging the public to immediately report accidentally caught or stranded wildlife to the DENR for proper rescue and handling.
To date, the DENR office in Casiguran has recorded eight marine turtles rescued, tagged, and released in coordination with local stakeholders.
