Local authorities released on Monday a marine turtle hours after a fisherman found the trapped reptile off the coast of Biliran province.
Personnel from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office (PENRO) in Biliran, the local police, and some fishermen facilitated the release of the sea turtle locally known as ‘pawikan’.
“The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recognizes every effort that answers our call for the conservation of our marine turtles,” said DENR Eastern Visayas regional executive director Tirso Parian, Jr. in a statement.
Parian lauded a fisherman from San Isidro village in Biliran town who turned over the marine turtle to the town police.
According to the fisherman, he found the pawikan trapped in an artificial reef.
To ensure that the pawikan is back safely to its natural habitat, he decided to turn it over to the police station who immediately coordinated with PENRO Biliran for its release.
Per assessment of PENRO, the reptile was identified as a green sea turtle measuring 43 centimeters in length and 42 cms. in width.
Before its release, the team placed a DENR metal tag with serial number PH1084K on its right flipper.
The DENR called on the community to turn over captured or rescued marine turtles to authorities and report any sightings 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 prompting the government to move for stronger conservation measures. (PNA)
