Boracay: A Sanctuary for Endangered Marine Turtles

January 12, 2024

The idyllic island of Boracay, located in the Malay town of Aklan, has become a crucial sanctuary for several endangered turtle species. Joanette Opeda from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Boracay, under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), highlighted the island’s significant role in biodiversity conservation.

“Boracay’s rich marine ecosystem serves as a vital habitat for endangered marine turtles, including the Olive ridley and green sea turtles,” Opeda remarked. The presence of hawksbill turtles, another endangered species, has also been documented by CENRO Boracay.

A significant milestone was achieved on January 5 when CENRO facilitated the release of 113 Olive ridley turtle hatchlings at Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa’s beachfront in Punta Bunga, Barangay Yapak. These hatchlings, monitored since November of the previous year, emerged from their nests on January 4. “This release, being the largest number so far, is a testament to the health of Boracay’s marine environment,” Opeda said.

CENRO Boracay has been diligently maintaining a database and mapping of the marine turtle population and their habitats since 2018, updating it annually. Opeda emphasized the turtles’ tendency to return to their birthplace for nesting, noting various sites across the island.

In the past year, multiple successful hatchings were documented. In January, 79 Olive ridley hatchlings emerged on the New Coast Boracay’s beachfront, followed by 89 in February. Additionally, 129 hawksbill and 76 green sea turtle hatchlings were released back into the sea after nesting at Puka Beach’s coastline in August and September, respectively.

According to the DENR Administrative Order 9 series of 2019, which updates the National List of Threatened Fauna, Olive ridley and green sea turtles are classified as endangered, while hawksbill turtles are critically endangered. The order clarifies the classifications, indicating the imminent risk of extinction for critically endangered species and the likelihood of extinction for endangered species if threatening factors persist.

To safeguard these turtles, CENRO Boracay ensures that development activities, particularly construction, are prohibited in nesting areas. Presently, they anticipate the hatching of over 140 eggs laid on the coasts of Puka and Ilig-Iligan beaches.

Alongside these conservation efforts, CENRO Boracay conducts extensive public awareness campaigns. Wildlife information officers on the island contribute to these initiatives, educating the community on the importance of protecting these marine species. Opeda encourages the public to report turtle sightings for timely intervention.

DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino Duran expressed optimism and praise for the successful turtle release and ongoing monitoring efforts. “Witnessing these turtles begin their journey into the ocean is not only a hopeful sign but also an educational experience. Protecting marine turtles is a shared responsibility, crucial for the health of our oceans,” Duran stated.

For additional information and further reading, refer to the original article here.