76 Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings released in Oriental Mindoro

CITY OF CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro — Seventy-six olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings were released into the sea on Wednesday morning, Jan. 7, after hatching at a protected site in Barangay Navotas.

The hatchlings came from 113 eggs earlier discovered by resident Jimmy Melendrez in Barangay Nagiba II, which were then turned over to the hatchery for safekeeping.

Bantay Dagat member Robert Alfante said the first hatchlings emerged around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, followed by the remaining 75 that hatched overnight.

Rainy weather may have affected the hatching process, as 37 eggs have yet to hatch. Alfante said they hope the remaining eggs will hatch within the next seven days.

Village councilor Rogelio Apoc and Alister Lumat of Blue Alliance Key Ocean Defenders assisted in the release of the hatchlings.

Wilfredo Landicho, city environment and natural resources officer, told the Inquirer that the activity is part of Calapan’s conservation, protection, and restoration program for the marine ecosystem.

READ: DENR releases 88 Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings in Occidental Mindoro

READ: 100 hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings emerge in Calapan hatchery

The olive ridley sea turtle, a vulnerable species, is among the world’s smallest sea turtles and is known for its olive-green, heart-shaped shell. It is commonly found in the tropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.

Conservationists warned that, despite ongoing protection efforts, marine turtles continue to face threats from habitat disruption due to coastal development, stray animals, fishing net entanglement, and solid waste pollution. /mcm