DENR-13 release sea turtle at a hidden resort

By Eric F. Gallego

BUCAS GRANDE, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 7 (PIA) -- Officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led by Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo released on August 1 two endangered sea turtles including a juvenile at a secluded beach resort here and reminded the keepers to conserve marine mammals.

Tamayo identified the sea turtles as belonging to hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) species. They had been caged for several months before their condition was spotted by DENR officials.

The green sea turtle which measured about 50 centimeters (cm) by 45 cm is a juvenile while the adult hawksbill turtle measured about 100 cm shell length and 62 cm wide. A DENR tag number had been placed at the right flap of the hawksbill.

“While it is understood that most resort operators desire to adopt rare sea turtle as pet for tourist attraction the DENR, however, remains consistent with its policy on pawikan conservation by virtue of Executive Order No. 542, signed on 26 June 1979,” RED Tamayo said. “We want to ensure the survival and growth of the country's remaining marine turtle populations," he added.

The release was also witnessed by Regional Technical Director Mario Eludo of the Protected Areas Wildlife and Coastal Zone Resources, Ronilo Salac of the Ecosystem Research and Development Services, Atty. Paquito Rosal of the Land Management Services, PENROs and CENROs and senior staff.

Tamayo has warned the people particularly operators of resorts along the coastal areas to refrain from catching giant sea turtles.

Hawksbill turtles are normally found near reefs rich in sponges which they feed on. They avoid deep waters, preferring coastlines where sponges are abundant and where sandy nesting sites are within reach.

Not particularly large compared with other sea turtles, hawksbills grow up to about 45 inches (114 cm) in shell length and 150 pounds (68 kilograms) in weight.

Like other sea turtles, hawksbills migrate from feeding sites to nesting grounds, normally on tropical beaches. Mating occurs every two to three years and normally takes place in shallow waters. The nesting procedure begins when the turtles leave the sea to choose an area to lay their eggs.

A pit is dug in the sand, filled with eggs, and then covered. At this stage, the turtles retreat to the sea, leaving the eggs, which will hatch in about 60 days. The most dangerous time of the lives of the turtles comes when hatchlings make the journey from their nests to the sea. Crabs and gulls prey on young turtles during this short scamper.

Like many sea turtles, hawksbills are an endangered species. Hawksbill eggs are still eaten around the world despite the turtle’s international protected status, and they are often killed for their flesh and for their shells. These graceful sea turtles are also threatened by accidental capture in fishing nets. (FEA/DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)