Ang Pahayagan

CASIGURAN, Aurora — An endangered green sea turtle was safely tagged and released back into the wild after it was accidentally caught in a fish corral off the coast of Barangay Ditinagyan, authorities from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported.

The sea turtle, identified as a Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), was rescued and assessed by personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Casiguran after it was discovered alive following a bycatch incident.

According to CENRO Casiguran head Ariel Mendoza, the turtle measured 51 centimeters in curved carapace length and 52 centimeters in curved carapace width.

“After assessment by the Coastal and Marine Management Unit of CENRO Casiguran, the turtle was found to be healthy and unharmed,” Mendoza said.

Authorities immediately tagged the turtle to aid in monitoring and identification before releasing it back into its natural habitat along the coastal waters of the municipality.

Meanwhile, Ralph Pablo, Regional Executive Director of the DENR in Central Luzon, emphasized that protecting endangered species requires sustained collaboration among various sectors.

“The protection of endangered species requires a whole-of-society approach. Through the cooperation of local government units, coastal communities, law enforcement agencies, and concerned citizens, we can strengthen conservation efforts and help ensure the survival of our marine wildlife,” Pablo said.

Personnel from the Philippine National Police Maritime Group in Casiguran assisted in the tagging and release operation.

The DENR continues to encourage coastal communities and fishermen to report sightings or accidental catches of endangered marine wildlife to authorities to ensure proper rescue, monitoring, and conservation efforts. (Jason de Asis)

📸ENDANGERED SEA TURTLE RELEASED IN CASIGURAN. An endangered Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) was safely tagged and released back into the wild after it was accidentally caught in a fish corral off the coast of Barangay Ditinagyan in Casiguran. Personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–CENRO Casiguran, with assistance from the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, conducted the tagging and release to help monitor and protect the endangered marine species. (DENR Central Luzon photo)