Another batch of green sea turtle hatchlings safely released in Panglao

Local

ANOTHER group of endangered green sea turtle hatchlings has successfully emerged from a protected nesting site in Panglao, Bohol.

A total of 183 green sea turtle hatchlings crawled from their nest and safely reached the sea Friday evening, July 3, after emerging from the second protected nest at Hennan Premier Coast in Barangay Tawala.

The nest, laid on May 13, originally contained 198 eggs. Following a 51-day incubation period, the hatchlings began emerging at around 5:34 p.m. They were released into the sea between 5:58 p.m. and 6:34 p.m. under the supervision of personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Coast Guard, and the resort's staff.

Fifteen eggs remain in the nest and continue to be monitored.

DENR personnel will maintain protection of the site until the hatching process is complete.

Once no more hatchlings emerge, the agency will conduct a nest excavation to assess the overall hatching success and examine the remaining eggs following established marine turtle conservation procedures.

Bohol OIC Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Wilson Henson said the successful hatching underscores the value of sustained conservation work and cooperation among government agencies, private establishments, and local stakeholders.

Henson noted that every hatchling that reaches the ocean strengthens hopes for the long-term survival of marine turtle populations and highlights the importance of protecting nesting habitats for future generations.

DENR Regional Executive Director Laudemir Salac likewise credited the successful emergence to the combined efforts of conservation partners.

In a statement, he said the latest hatching demonstrates that science-based conservation, coupled with strong collaboration among government, the private sector, and local communities, can produce meaningful gains in safeguarding the country's marine biodiversity.

Green sea turtles are protected under Philippine environmental laws as well as international conservation agreements.(MyTVCebu)