Aklan releases 202 Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings into ocean

AKLAN — As moonlight hit the water in Numancia, the shoreline flickered with restless energy — not the tide pulling back, but dozens of tiny sea turtles waking up at once.

A total of 202 Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings, locally known as pawikan, began their journey into the ocean, marking a milestone for marine conservation in the province.

The hatchlings were recorded between Feb. 19 and 23, 2026, across three distinct release sites in Aklan.

The journey began on Feb. 19 in Navitas, Numancia, where 65 hatchlings were released.

On Feb. 23, double releases followed: 74 hatchlings from Camanci Norte, Numancia, and another 54 from Aslum, Ibajay.

The Olive Ridley, classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and listed as endangered under Philippine law, is one of the smallest sea turtle species in the world. It is named for the olive color of its heart-shaped shell.

The survival of these turtles is considered fundamental to a healthy ocean, as they act as natural “gardeners of the sea.”

By grazing on seagrass beds, Olive ridleys help keep underwater meadows healthy and productive, providing vital breeding grounds for fish and shellfish that sustain local economies.

Nutrients from hatched eggshells also provide essential nourishment for coastal vegetation, which helps prevent beach erosion.

According to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Aklan, the prompt action of local fisherfolk and the Bantay Dagat, or volunteer sea patrol, is a direct indicator of the success of their communication, education, participation, and awareness activities.

The releases were made possible through collaboration between the local government units of Numancia and Ibajay, through their respective municipal environment and natural resources officers, and the technical guidance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

While the odds of sea turtle hatchlings reaching adulthood are slim — marine biologists estimate that only about one in 1,000 hatchlings survive to maturity — the releases reflect a province increasingly committed to ensuring the next generation of sea turtles has a safe shore to return to. (DENR-6)