As part of its continuing commitment to environmental conservation, Hamilo Coast and partner World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) recently released a sea turtle (pawikan) that was accidentally caught off the coast in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Weighing almost 30 kilos with an overall length of 83.82 cms., the pawikan belongs to the Olive Ridley Turtle variety, one of the smallest sea turtle species characterized by its dark olive-green color and heart-shaped carapace. The Olive Ridley turtle and all the other species of pawikan are now considered endangered.
The Hamilo Coast pawikan was accidentally caught by local fisherman Ariel Dominguez off the coast of Pico de Loro Cove who informed WWF and Costa del Hamilo, Inc. developers of Hamilo Coast, of the capture. The DENR was contacted for proper tagging before the captured pawikan was released back to its habitat the following day.
The sea turtle’s release underlined the eco-friendly thrust of Hamilo Coast, the pioneering eco-tourism development project of SM Investments Corp. The company is working hand in hand with the WWF, the local government of Nasugbu and communities around the coast to promote sustainable use of the coastal resources, including conservation of species endangered species such as the giant clams and sea turtles, as well as law enforcement and environmental education.
