TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) -- A female green sea turtle was released back to its natural habitat in Claveria, Cagayan on the same day it was rescued by a local fisherman from Fuga Island in Aparri on April 2, 2024.

According to the personnel of the Coast Guard District Northeastern Luzon-Claveria Sub-station, the green sea turtle was first turned over to their custody, however, they  immediately coordinated with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Sanchez Mira for proper intervention.

Upon assessment, the team from the CENRO Sanchez Mira found the green sea turtle to be in good condition, weighing 11.6 kilogram, with length and width measuring 48 and 45 centimeters, respectively. 

After tagging the rescued green sea turtle, the team composed of Coast Guard District Northeastern Luzon-Claveria Sub-station, CENRO Sanchez Mira, PNP Maritime Group Western Cagayan and Municipal Agriculture Office, released the sea turtle along the shoreline of the marine protected area at barangay Taggat Norte in Claveria.

Based on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-09, green sea turtles are categorized as "endangered species" or those facing a high risk of extinction due to various factors, including habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, overexploitation, and the introduction of invasive species.

Green sea turtles are also one of the five species of marine turtles that can be found in the country, however, they are the only herbivores among their counterparts. (ALM/MDCT/PIA Cagayan)