Eighteen (18) hatchlings of Olive- ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) were released along the coast of Isla Bonita, Brgy. Silangan I, Rosario. The release was spearheaded by the representatives from DENR PENRO Cavite, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Rosario Station, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and Bantay Dagat of Rosario.

Some of the fisherfolk and residents from Isla Bonita witnessed the nesting of a female Olive Ridley turtle as they named it “Putol”. They called it after its physical abnormality due to the absence of its left hind flipper. According to Bantay Dagat Nestor Llanosa, “Putol” is commonly seen within the coastal waters of Rosario.

Before the release, Forester Arianne Joyce Mugol of PENRO Cavite briefed the bantay dagat regarding the importance and proper handling of marine turtles. She emphasized that only 1% of the hatchlings may survive to maturity due to various natural and human induced threats. She also emphasized that, when a female hatchling matures, they will return to their birthplace and soon will lay their eggs.

Further, Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) materials regarding marine turtle conservation were also distributed to the Bantay Dagat of Rosario to raise awareness on marine turtles.

The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle was classified as an endangered species through the DENR Administrative Order 2019-09. However, the species are not critically endangered and survival in the wild is possible without adverse human intervention. ###

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Photo Releases
Published: 12 May 2022