Photo courtesy: DENR Central Luzon
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led the release of 70 hatchlings of Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) along the coastline of Laoag, Maloma, San Felipe, Zambales.
With the support of the Laoag Integrated Fisherfolk Association and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Maloma, the natural nests of the sea turtles were carefully protected and monitored throughout the nesting season.
Photo courtesy: DENR Central Luzon
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo expressed his gratitude to all partner agencies, organizations, and individuals who contributed to the protection of the sea turtles and the successful return of the hatchlings to their natural habitat.
“We thank our partners and volunteers who became part of this effort. The success of sea turtle conservation shows that our marine conservation efforts become stronger when the government and communities unite for the protection of our environment,” Pablo said.
Also joining the hatchling release activity were representatives from the local government and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of San Felipe, the Sangguniang Barangay of Maloma, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army, tourists, and resort owners.
Olive Ridley sea turtles are classified as a “vulnerable” species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.