BALER, Aurora (PIA) –The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
urged coastal communities in the province of Aurora to stay alert as the marine turtle nesting season begins and sightings rise in local waters.
This advisory followed a recent rescue in Casiguran town, highlighting the need for public action to protect marine wildlife and support safe release efforts.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said coastal residents play a key role in safeguarding marine turtles during the breeding period.
“We urge everyone to remain vigilant and responsible stewards of our environment as the breeding and nesting season of marine turtles begins,” Pablo appealed.
He also called on the public to promptly report accidentally caught or stranded wildlife to ensure proper rescue and handling.
In the latest case, a fisherman found a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) trapped in a fish corral and turned it over to authorities, reflecting community support for conservation efforts.
The turtle underwent assessment, tagging, and release back into the sea as part of monitoring activities for marine species.
Green Sea Turtles are classified as endangered under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, which contains the updated list of Philippine threatened fauna and their categories.
Data from the agency showed eight marine turtles have been rescued, tagged, and released this year, including a female olive ridley sea turtle also returned to Casiguran waters a few weeks earlier.
DENR continues to promote community participation, stressing that cooperation between government and local stakeholders strengthens protection of coastal and marine ecosystems. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
