The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Guinobatan headed by OIC, CENR Officer Narisol C. Divina successfully released a Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) on February 14, 2022 back to the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS) at Barangay Badian, Oas, Albay.

Technical personnel of CENRO Guinobatan immediately responded a report that a sea turtle was accidentally trapped in a fishing net.

Upon assessment, the sea turtle was found to be in good condition with carapace length and width measuring 54 and 42 centimeters, respectively. Its was estimated to weigh around 25 kilograms. A metal tag with serial number PH0369K was placed on its right flipper.

“It is uplifting  to know that because of our continuous Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaigns, the local residents are aware that sea turtles must be tagged to monitor the species’ migratory patterns, growth rates, survival, and reproductive output,” CENRO Narisol Divina said.

Green Sea Turtles are categorized as “Endangered Species” based on DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-09.

It can be recalled that one hundred thirty three (133) Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings were also released last December 28, 2021 and January 1-2, 2022 in Barangay Nagas, Oas, Albay, which is a part of the TBPPS.

CENRO Divina lauds the effort of the local community who contributed for the conservation and protection of wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and enhance biological diversity. (With report from CENRO Guinobatan)