More than 170 green sea turtle hatchlings were released into the sea along the coasts of Diguisit and Dicasalarin in Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora, through the conservation efforts of DENR, the local government, and beach resort operators.
BALER, Aurora — More than 170 green sea turtle hatchlings have been released into the sea along the coast of Sitios Diguisit and Dicasalarin in Barangay Zabali, Baler, following conservation efforts by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local stakeholders.
DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Maria Aurora head Marivic Santos said the hatchlings came from separate clutches discovered within the Aurora Watershed Forest Reserve before being released into their natural marine habitat.
Santos emphasized that green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) play an important role in maintaining marine biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and healthy coastal ecosystems.
As part of the conservation initiative, DENR personnel also conducted an information and education campaign among residents, beach resort operators, and fisherfolk in Barangay Zabali. The campaign focused on proper handling of marine turtles, reporting sightings and nesting activities, and protecting turtle nests and habitats.
DENR Central Luzon Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo stressed that community participation is essential to sustaining marine turtle conservation efforts.
He said the cooperation of coastal residents, resort operators, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders helps protect nesting sites and improve the survival prospects of threatened marine species.
The DENR continues to encourage the public to report marine turtle sightings and nesting activities to authorities to support conservation and habitat protection efforts. (Jason de Asis)