Olive Ridley Hatchlings Return to the Ocean

They may look fragile as they flap their tiny flippers across the white sands of Boracay beach to reach the sea. This infantile frenzy of sea turtles is nothing short of a miracle.

From the moment a mother sea turtle lays her eggs in the sand to the time they hatch, the eggs and hatchlings face countless threats.

Around the world, sea turtle eggs and hatchlings are vulnerable to predators such as ghost crabs, dogs, foxes, pigs, and raccoons.

Witnessing them emerge from their sandy nests and instinctively make their way to the ocean is a remarkable sight.

During this critical phase, known as the “infantile frenzy,” baby turtles rely on their yolk reserves to fuel their journey from the shore to the open sea.

Boracay Island is fortunate to be home to Olive ridleys. On Feb. 1, 2025, 94 Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings were successfully released into the ocean at Balighai Beach in Brgy. Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Boracay, in partnership with Boracay New Coast management, spearheaded this conservation effort. The hotel management played a key role in protecting the sea turtle eggs and ensuring the successful incubation of the 94 hatchlings. The nest, laid by a mother Olive ridley on Dec. 30, 2024, was carefully monitored and safeguarded by the Boracay New Coast team. This collaboration highlights the island’s commitment to protecting its marine wildlife.

When the time came for the hatchlings to return to the sea, Boracay New Coast worked closely with CENRO Boracay, led by CENR Officer Joanette Opeda, to coordinate the official release. This marked the second successful release of Olive ridley hatchlings on the island in 2025. The first release occurred on Jan. 3, 2025, with 39 hatchlings making their way to the ocean.

Under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2019-09 (Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories), the Olive ridley is classified as Endangered (EN). Factors contributing to this status include habitat destruction, overutilization, and other human activities.

“Let us continue protecting this unique marine animal, as they play a vital role in maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem. We are grateful to the people of the island for their love and concern for sea turtles. Whenever they lend a hand, it is a win for conservation,” said OIC Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla of the DENR.