Lucena City, Quezon – In a meaningful conservation effort, 62 newly hatched Olive Ridley sea turtles were released into the waters of Tayabas Bay on December 27, 2024. The event took place at the coastline of Barangay Bignay 2, Sariaya, Quezon, marking another step toward protecting endangered marine species.
The release was a collaborative effort led by the Bantay Dagat (Fish Warden) of Sariaya, the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, environmental group Tanggol Kalikasan, and local residents.
This event builds upon a successful hatching season from December 2023 to April 2024, during which Tanggol Kalikasan documented the release of over 5,000 baby turtles along the Tayabas Bay coastline in Quezon Province. Officials anticipate that more than 2,000 sea turtle hatchlings will be released from the Sariaya coastline alone by March 2025.
The Philippines is home to five of the world’s seven marine turtle species—green sea, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley turtles—all classified as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Sea turtles, or "pawikan," play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. They help regulate populations of certain organisms, contributing to the balance of the ocean’s food web.
To protect these endangered species, the Philippines enforces the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (Republic Act No. 9147). The law imposes severe penalties for violations, particularly for killing critically endangered wildlife, with jail terms ranging from six years and one day to 12 years and fines of up to ₱1 million.
With conservation initiatives like this, communities and organizations continue to work together to preserve the fragile marine ecosystems and ensure that future generations of pawikan can thrive in the Philippines.
Link of News
- Frontline TV5News, December 29, 2024 : https://www.facebook.com/TanggolKalikasan/videos/2783043785201424
- News5 December 29, 2024
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1387444922245028
- OnePH December 29, 2024
https://www.facebook.com/reel/927593499475023
- Quezon Chronos Online, December 29, 2024
62 bagong pisang pawikan pinakawalan sa Tayabas Bay
- Chronos Online, December 29, 2024
62 bagong pisang pawikan pinakawalan sa Tayabas Bay
- Calabarzon Chronicles, December 29,2024
62 bagong pisang pawikan pinakawalan sa Tayabas Bay