Hawksbill turtle trapped in fishing net

DAGUPAN CITY — A turtle listed as an endangered marine specie was turned over to authorities here on Monday after it was trapped in a fishing net in Barangay Pugaro.

Emma Molina, city agriculturist, said the turtle, a hawsbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) was turned over to her office by Pugaro Barangay captain Dominador Bangcod. She said it was trapped in the fishing net of fisherman Nonong Narvasa, who immediately sought the assistance of barangay officials.

The turtle was supposed to be released to the sea yesterday but strong winds, rough waters and heavy rains prevented city offials and personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) from going outdoors.

Molina said the turtle will be released today,

Marlyn Banda, chief of the Protected Area and Wildlife Section of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) here, measured the turtle and said it was 15 inches long and 13 inches wide.

City Administrator Rafael Baraan recommended that Narvasa be given recognition. — Cesar Ramirez