769 baby turtles released LU waters

By Freddie G. Lazaro

SAN JUAN, La Union – A total of 769 newly hatched green sea turtles were released on a beachfront here at the start of  the year from a hatchery site in Barangay Ili Norte, marine and coastal resource authorities announced here Monday.

Regine Tibong, a representative of the Coastal Underwater Resources Management Actions on Pawikan Protection and Conservation Project, said their agency is monitoring the endangered species.

“These green sea turtles have a very significant role in helping the regeneration of seaweads and seagrasses at the sea or ocean beds that serve as foods for living creatures under salt water,” Tibong said.

At present, at least 1,765 eggs of green sea turtles are due for hatching at the hatchery of site.

Tibong said they have been ensuring the protection and involvement of coastal communities in supporting the multiplication of green sea turtles especially in the last quarter of 2012.