About 68 newly-hatched olive ridley sea turtles were released in Mansalay town, Oriental Mindoro province on Tuesday. PHOTO FROM MANSALAY INFORMATION OFFICE
CITY OF CALAPAN—About 68 newly hatched olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) were released to the sea in Mansalay town, Oriental Mindoro early Tuesday morning.
Cocoy Mortel, information officer of Mansalay, said the turtles were released in Barangay Wasig, which has been attracting turtles because of its dark and coarse sand, ideal for nesting.
He said members of Bantay Dagat (local sea patrol) secured 102 eggs upon discovery about two months ago, but only 68 hatched.
“The number of hatchlings is good enough because it’s usually 50 percent hatchling rate,” Mortel said. Madonna T. Virola /lzb