A Green Sea Turtle and a Hawksbill Turtle were released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Sibugay Provincial Office after being retrieved last Feb. 16 at Barangay Conception in this municipality.
The Green Sea Turtle, which has an estimated weight of 10 kilos and 48 cm x 40 in length was injured on its right webbed clawed foot, while the Hawksbill, which has an estimated weight of 10 kilos, length of 45cm x 38 in length was in good health upon retrieval.
Roberto Ballon, one the fishermen who accidentally caught the turtles, immediately reported the incident to the DENR.
Rudyard P. Pacas, Ecosystem Management Specialist of the DENR-Sibugay said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the retrieval operation was part of the duties and responsibilities of the DENR to preserve wildlife species especially those that are on the verge of extinction.
“The DENR is compelled to retrieve at least 15 turtles a year, both marine and terrestrial turtles, because these species are an indicator that the environment and the ecosystem are balanced,” he said.
He explained the roles of the turtles in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem especially concerning jellyfishes which are abundant in most coastal areas in the province.
The DENR, he said, has been thankful to the residents and the local government units for their active participation in the government’s efforts to protect and conserve wildlife species.
“Our fisher folks are well informed on what to do if they accidentally captured an injured turtle. We are happy because our fisher folks are very active in the conservation aspect. They really informed us if they capture either a sea cow or turtle,” he pointed out.