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2020 7 27 CENRO Mati release marine turtle

A female green sea turtle was released back to the ocean after it was accidentally caught in a baited fishing hooks by a local fisherman in the morning of July 21, 2020 at Tagawisan, Barangay Central, the City of Mati, Davao Oriental.

Earlier, the said turtle was turned over to the City Fishery Law Enforcement Office (CFLEO) of the City Government of Mati and was subsequently referred to CENRO Mati. A group of marine conservationists from said field office, composed mainly of protected area staff under the supervision of CENR Officer Zaldy L. Lumaan, then promptly worked with City Local Government Unit (CLGU) Mati personnel to determine the health of the turtle.

As the result of the examination revealed that the turtle is healthy and responsive, it was released back to the oceans of Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape on that same day.

RA 9147 is the paramount law that ensures the protection and conservation of marine turtles and other wildlife in the country.

Green turtles are one of the five (5) species of marine turtle that can be found in the country. However, it is the only herbivore among its counterparts. Green sea turtles are deemed endangered in the country mostly due to accidental bycatch, overharvesting of eggs and habitat loss.