An endangered green sea turtle was released back into the ocean after it was accidentally trapped in a fish coral or tangkop in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental Feb. 19.
The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Cadiz said Feb. 20 that its personnel and that of the Office of the City Agriculture responded to a report from Noli Katalbas, a resident of Purok Avila in Barangay Daga, Cadiz City, about the stranded sea turtle.
CAO employee Allen Villatima said the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) measures 36 cms long and 35 cms wide.
The personnel examined the turtle, and since it was in good condition, it was immediately released back to the sea.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is encouraging the public to turn over stranded or rescued pawikan to authorities, or report any sighting of the species to the nearest DENR office for proper care and immediate release to its natural habitat.
The green sea turtle is listed as endangered per DENR Administrative Order 2019-09, dated July 12, 2019, and the government is implementing stronger conservation measures to address the continuing decline of marine turtles in the country. — NND
