A fisherman found this Olive Ridley Sea Turtle stranded in a mangrove in Olango Island on Wednesday. Yesterday, it was released back to the sea at Crimson Resort’s beach with Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza watching. (CDN PHOTO/NORMAN MENDOZA)
A sea turtle that was stranded in a marine sanctuary in Olango Island was released in the open sea yesterday.
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle locally called pawikan was earlier found by a fisherman in the mangrove area, a healthy specimen with a gray carapace or shell measuring 24 inches by 23 inches.
Instead of capturing it for food or its valuable shell, the fishermen brought it back to Maribago and contacted the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza with CFARMC personnel led by chairman Orlando Leyson released the turtle in the beach front of Crimson Resort and Spa about 11 a.m.
The release of wildlife back to its natural habitat shows a growing public consciousness of the value of protecting endangered species.
Mayor Rada said the city’s economy relies on tourism and should continue to protect marine life.