Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs), and concerned citizens have strengthened efforts to protect marine turtle nesting sites in Casiguran and Dinalungan, Aurora, while facilitating the safe release of an endangered female green sea turtle in Casiguran Bay.
The conservation efforts followed a report from a concerned resort owner regarding marine turtle nesting activity along the coastal area of Casiguran.
Through its community office in Casiguran, the DENR immediately conducted a field validation and confirmed the presence of marine turtle eggs in two nesting sites within its jurisdiction.
DENR community head Ariel Mendoza emphasized the importance of immediate action to protect marine turtles and their nests from disturbance, predation, and other potential threats.
“After the thorough assessment by the Coastal and Marine Management Unit of CENRO Casiguran, both identified nests were immediately secured using appropriate plastic mesh screens for the protection of the eggs,” Mendoza said.
The DENR also installed information, education, and communication (IEC) materials in strategic areas near the nesting sites to remind residents, beachgoers, and other stakeholders to protect the nests and avoid activities that may disturb the turtles and their eggs until the hatchlings emerge.
Mendoza urged concerned barangays and local stakeholders to continue monitoring the nesting sites and immediately report any disturbance, predation, or other incidents that could threaten the nests.
Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
Meanwhile, a healthy female green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) measuring 42 centimeters in curved carapace length and 39 centimeters in curved carapace width was safely tagged and released at Sitio Kataguman, Barangay Cozo, Casiguran, after it was accidentally trapped in a fish corral owned by a local resident.
The resident immediately alerted CENRO Casiguran personnel, who, in coordination with officers from the Municipal Environment Office of LGU Casiguran and barangay residents, assessed the turtle and facilitated its safe return to its natural habitat, Mendoza said.
“In close coordination with officers from the municipal environment office of LGU Casiguran and residents of the barangay, we promptly released the turtle back to its natural habitat,” Mendoza said.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the cooperation among government agencies, local communities, and concerned citizens in protecting marine turtles and their nesting and foraging habitats.
“Such collaboration is essential in ensuring timely reporting, appropriate response, protection of nesting sites, and safe handling and release of marine turtles,” Pablo said.
Pablo also encouraged communities and other stakeholders to remain vigilant in protecting marine turtles and their habitats and to help prevent accidental capture, disturbance, and other threats to the species.
The green sea turtle is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is among the marine wildlife species protected under Philippine laws and regulations.
The DENR continues to call on coastal communities, visitors, and other stakeholders to help safeguard marine turtles and their nesting grounds by reporting sightings, accidental captures, and other incidents involving the protected species.