‘TURTLE TRIP’ IN ILOILO

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The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Sara recorded its first encounter with a Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) that was spotted laying eggs on the shoreline of Bantigue Islet, Brgy. Gabi in Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo last March 5, 2023.

CENRO Sara constantly monitors and coordinates with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Carles through the office o thef Municipal ENRO to keep track of the progress and to discourage tourists from visiting the nesting site.

The eggs are expected to hatch in late April to mid-May 2023 or 45-75 days after laying.

Meanwhile, CENRO Guimbal personnel spearheaded by CENR Officer Vivente T. Mellizas Jr. tagged and released to the sea a Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas).

The activity was done at the coastal area of Brgy. Cabasi, Guimbal, Iloilo on April 17, 2023.

The turtle was tagged as PH 1768M and has a length of 43 centimeters (cm), width of 36cm and weighed 25 kilograms.

It was seen trapped in the fishing gear of Lalaine Gelvoleo, resident of Brgy. Cabasi last April 16, 2023. She then asked the help of CENRO Guimbal to rescue the turtle.

The Hawksbill turtle are tagged as Critically Endangered, while the Green sea turtle are tagged as Endangered by the international Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

The DENR in Region 6 reminded the public of the importance of balanced biodiversity and constantly encouraged them to report similar cases to authorities for proper action and to fully ensure proper protection of their population. (DENR-6)