VIRAC, Catanduanes — In a boost for local marine conservation, 35 green sea turtle hatchlings were successfully released into the waters of Catanduanes on Friday, April 10, 2026.
The release took place along the shoreline of Barangay Constantino in the town of Virac, supervised by local environment officers and community volunteers.
The hatchlings emerged from a nesting site that had been closely monitored by residents and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
- Discovery: The nesting site was first identified by local fisherfolk several weeks ago.
- Protection: To ensure the eggs remained undisturbed by predators or human activity, the community established a temporary protective fence around the nest.
- Successful Emergence: On Friday afternoon, the hatchlings began to surface, prompting the immediate coordination for their safe release into the sea.
Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are classified as endangered, making every successful hatching a critical win for the species.
- Natural Habitat: The coastal areas of Catanduanes serve as vital nesting grounds for various sea turtle species, including the Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles.
- Environmental Advocacy: Local officials emphasized that the successful release highlights the effectiveness of community-based conservation programs and the increasing environmental awareness among residents.
The DENR urged residents and tourists to continue reporting any turtle sightings or nesting activities to the authorities.
- Beach Protection: The agency reminded the public to keep beaches clean and to avoid using bright lights near nesting areas at night, as this can disorient both nesting mothers and emerging hatchlings.
- Livelihood Balance: Officials noted that maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem is directly linked to the sustainability of the local fishing industry and the province’s growing eco-tourism sector.
As the 35 hatchlings swam into the Pacific, conservationists expressed hope that the high survival rate of this particular nest would encourage further participation in “Adopt-a-Nest” initiatives across the Bicol region.