Species of sea turtles were observed in a dive site in Malita, Davao Occidental during the recently conducted rapid coral reef assessment initiated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-XI headed by Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco.
The assessment was conducted to check the physical condition of the coral reef and to establish a collaborative effort with the Local Government Unit of Malita on the protection and conservation of its marine ecosystem.
The team headed to the dive site off the coast of Brgy. Tubalan. The coral reef outside of Tubalan cove presented variety of marine species like fish and sea turtles and is in excellent condition. It can also be attributed to the Bantay Dagat patrollers who are regularly monitoring and patrolling within its municipal waters as part of the LGU’s preservation and protection mechanism.
In the Philippines, there are 5 sea turtles known to come ashore to bask and reproduce namely Green sea, Hawksbill, Olive ridley, Loggerhead and Leatherback. Under the International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN, Green sea and Loggerhead turtles are categorized as endangered species while Olive ridley and Leatherback turtles are categorized as vulnerable. Hawksbill turtles, on the other hand, are categorized as critically-endangered or in a high risk of facing extinction.
The Philippines is located in a region in Pacific Ocean called the Coral Triangle with more than 16,800 sq.km. of coral reef and is recognized as the global center for marine biodiversity. It is home to unique plethora of seaweeds, invertebrates, seagrass and marine mammals.
Corals are highly fragile and are vulnerable to marine pollution. The fish that live and grow on coral reefs are important food and livelihood source for the people especially in coastal areas.
Assisting RED Evasco are personnel from the Coastal Resources and Foreshore Management Section of the Conservation and Development Division of DENR XI, PENRO Davao Occidental and divers from the Local Government Unit of Malita.
(Underwater photos: RED Bagani Fidel A. Evasco)
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- Parent Category: News & Events
- Category: Press Releases
- Published: 05 February 2022