Photo By: DENR Central Luzon
CASIGURAN, Aurora — An endangered female Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) was rescued and safely released back into the waters of Casiguran Bay through a coordinated effort of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Casiguran, and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group.
DENR Aurora Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Alfred Collado said the marine turtle was accidentally trapped in a fish corral owned by a local fisher, who immediately reported the incident and turned over the animal to authorities.
The DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Casiguran, led by Ariel Mendoza, conducted an assessment of the turtle, recording a curved carapace length of 42 centimeters and a curved carapace width of 41.8 centimeters. The examination found no visible injuries, indicating the turtle was in good condition.
Following standard documentation and tagging procedures, the turtle was released in the coastal waters of Barangay Ditinagyan.
The Green Sea Turtle is classified as an endangered species under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, which lists threatened fauna in the Philippines. It is likewise protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said increased sightings of marine turtles are expected in the coming weeks as the breeding and nesting season begins.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and act as responsible stewards of the environment, especially during the marine turtle nesting season,” Pablo said.
He emphasized the crucial role of coastal communities in wildlife conservation and encouraged the public to promptly report stranded or accidentally captured marine species to the DENR.
The DENR Casiguran office has so far recorded eight marine turtles rescued, tagged, and released in coordination with local stakeholders. (PR-DENR Central Luzon)