Sea turtles rescued, released in Capiz

Green sea turtles locally known as “pawikan” (Photo of DENR-Capiz)

ROXAS City – Two green sea turtles locally known as “pawikan” were tagged and released by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and Ivisan town Bantay Dagat recently at Sapi-an Bay.

The release of the turtles to their habitat makes the total number of rescued and released pawikans to 12, according to PENRO records from January to June 10 this year.



The 12 green sea turtles were all rescued by Ivisan fishermen.

It was learned that the local government unit of Ivisan gives incentives to fishermen who rescue and turn over sea turtles to Bantay Dagat members.

The PENRO also gives a certificate of recognition to concerned fishermen.

Five of the seven species of sea turtles in the world – olive ridley, hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback and green sea – can be found in the Philippines.

The other two are Kemp’s Ridley which can be found solely in the Gulf of Mexico and along the East Coast of the United States, and flatback sea turtle at the northern coast of Australia. (PIA/PN)
SOURCE: http://www.panaynews.net/sea-turtles-rescued-released/