IBA, Zambales (PIA) — Community groups and government partners helped return 70 olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtle hatchlings to the sea in San Felipe, Zambales as part of efforts to protect marine wildlife.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led the release activity along the coast of Sitio Laoag, Barangay Maloma, following the successful protection of natural nests during the nesting season.
Members of the Laoag Integrated Fisherfolk Association and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Maloma helped protect and monitor the sea turtle nests to ensure the turtles hatched safely before returning to the ocean.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo thanked partner agencies, organizations, and volunteers who supported the conservation effort and helped ensure the safe return of the hatchlings to their natural habitat.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mga partners at volunteers na naging bahagi ng gawaing ito. Ang tagumpay ng pangangalaga sa pawikan ay patunay na mas napapalawig ang ating marine conservation efforts kapag nagkakaisa ang pamahalaan at komunidad para sa kalikasan,” Pablo said.
Personnel from the local government of San Felipe, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, Sangguniang Barangay of Maloma, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Army also joined the activity.
Tourists and resort owners in the area likewise participated in the hatchling release.
Olive ridley sea turtles are listed as a vulnerable species in the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
This species is among the most widely distributed sea turtles in tropical waters but faces threats from habitat loss, coastal development, accidental capture in fishing gear, and marine pollution.
The DENR continues to encourage coastal communities to support marine wildlife protection initiatives, emphasizing that sustained cooperation between government agencies and local stakeholders plays a vital role in conserving the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
