In coordination with Barangay Captain Richard Bravo, an Olive Ridley turtle (ππ¦π±πͺπ₯π°π€π©π¦ππΊπ΄ π°ππͺπ·π’π€π¦π’π¦) was retrieved by personnel of CENRO Ramon Magsaysay and reportedly found by Mr. Janclent Caralos, a coastal resident of Barangay Balas Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur on August 24, 2022. Accordingly, βaround 6:30 am, the turtle was trapped in the fish cage set up by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)β.
Based on the teamβs initial assessment, the turtle has an estimated weight of 23 kilograms, length of 58 cm, a width of 55 cm, head length of 13 cm, and an eye distance of 6 cm., free of barnacles or wounds in its carapace, thus, appears to be healthy and in good condition. Consequently, the Olive Ridley was returned to its natural habitat on the waters of Barangay Balas Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur where it was found.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Zamboanga Peninsula reminds the public that Olive Ridley turtles are categorized Β as an Endangered Species under Department Administrative Order No. 2019-09 and protected under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
(Source: DENR ZAMPEN)