BORACAY – Three hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelysimbricata) were recently released on the shores of this world-famous island.
Biodiversity Management Bureau director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional director Francisco Milla Jr. led the tagging and releasing of the turtles to its natural habitat at Puka Beach in Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island.
According to DENR, two of these turtles were confiscated last August 2016. The other one was seized from illegal pet owners during the agency’s massive campaign against illegal poaching on March 2018.
The initiative is one of the activities during the “Sustainability Week” in Boracay and also in line with the Ocean Month celebration this year.
Sea turtles face various threats to their existence. Hunting, pollution and damage to their habitat are just some of these that contribute to their declining population.
The survival rate of turtle eggs to sexual maturity is very low, estimated at around one or two individuals per thousand. Some estimates go even lower, at one individual per 10,000 eggs. (With a report from DENR Region 6/PN)
