DENR steps up protection of sea turtle nesting sites in Aurora

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local stakeholders have stepped up efforts to protect marine turtle nesting sites in two coastal towns in Aurora province following the discovery of turtle eggs and the rescue of an endangered green sea turtle.

In a statement on Saturday (Sept. 12), the DENR said that, through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) in Casiguran town, it secured two marine turtle nests in coastal areas of Casiguran and Dinalungan after a resort owner reported the presence of turtle eggs.

According to  community office head Ariel Mendoza, a field validation was conducted by the Cenro’s Coastal and Marine Management Unit.

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“After the thorough assessment, we immediately secured both identified nests using appropriate plastic mesh screens to protect the eggs,” Mendoza said.

Information and education materials were also placed near the nesting areas to remind residents, beachgoers and other visitors to avoid disturbing the nests until the eggs hatch.

Mendoza urged village officials and residents to continue monitoring the sites and report any disturbance, predation or other incidents that could threaten the nests.

Meanwhile, a female green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) was rescued after it was accidentally caught in a fish corral in Sitio Kataguman, Barangay Cozo, Casiguran.

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The turtle, which measured 42 centimeters in curved carapace length and 39 cm in curved carapace width, was assessed, tagged and released back into Casiguran Bay with assistance from the Casiguran municipal environment office and local residents.

Mendoza said the fish corral owner immediately notified Cenro personnel after finding the turtle trapped in the fishing gear.

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“In close coordination with officers from the municipal environment office of LGU Casiguran and residents of the barangay, we promptly released the turtle back to its natural habitat,” Mendoza said.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo credited the cooperation of local government officials, communities and concerned citizens for the prompt reporting and response to the incidents.

He urged coastal communities to remain vigilant and help prevent the accidental capture and disturbance of marine turtles and their habitats.

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The green sea turtle is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is protected under Philippine wildlife conservation laws and regulations. /cb