Sea turtle found off Navotas

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued over the weekend a weak sea turtle, locally known as pawikan, in the waters off Navotas.

PCG commandant Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said the sea turtle, about 26 inches long and 32 inches wide, was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Protected Area and Widelife Bureau.

Tamayo said the endangered marine animal would be treated before being released to its natural habitat.

The Philippine government had launched the Pawikan Conservation Project to protect the country’s dwindling marine turtle resource from continuing over-exploitation.

Based on research, there are more than 220 species of turtles in the world, but only seven are considered marine (salt water). Five of these species are found in the Philippines. These are the green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and the leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea).

Sea turtles vary in color - olive-green, yellow, greenish-brown, or black. The most common species in the Philippines is the green sea turtle, which is also found in all tropical and sub-tropical seas. – Helen Flores