SUNLIT HORIZON | Bathed in golden light, the hatchlings march toward their new home (photo credits: Dipolog City Government)
DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) — City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local stakeholders, released a total of 101 Olive Ridley sea turtles back into the ocean along Dipolog’s Sunset Boulevard on February 17, 2025.
The project under the Pawikan Conservation and Hatchery Program protects sea turtle nesting grounds and ensures the successful hatching and release of these endangered species.
Prior to this send off, the eggs were monitored from 40 to 75 days until they hatch, then released during sunset within 24 hours to reduce predator exposure.
Reported nests are cordoned off to prevent disturbances while eggs in locations vulnerable to storm surge, humans, and other threats are transferred by trained personnel to the Pawikan Hatchery for monitoring until they hatch.
The City Government has been working with coastal communities, fisherfolk, and private establishments to protect nesting sites and educate the public on proper conservation efforts.
“We release sea turtle hatchlings as close as possible to where they hatch. This is to ensure that they can imprint on the beach where they are hatched so that they will be able to return to the same area years later when it is their time to lay their eggs,” Lawyer Gratian Paul Tidor, Dipolog ENRO said.
Aside from hatchling releases, the City Government regularly conducts coastal cleanups and awareness campaigns to maintain a safe habitat for marine life.
“We hope that by being able to see the cute little hatchlings crawl into the sea, whether in person or through social media, people will be more invested in taking care of these marine creatures and the environment in general,” Tidor added.
Meanwhile, there is no tracking system in place for the released sea turtles, and officials are exploring future collaborations with DENR to enhance monitoring efforts. (MLE/PJF/SQ-OJT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
