162 sea turtle hatchlings released

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 162 green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings emerged from a protected nesting site along Alona Beach in Barangay Tawala, Panglao, Bohol, on July 16, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 reported.

The hatchlings came from a nest of 192 eggs, first reported to the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Tagbilaran on May 28, 2026.

The site was monitored under the Panglao Island Restoration and Rehabilitation Program (PIRRP) to ensure the eggs remained undisturbed during their 49-day incubation.

DENR personnel, with the Philippine Coast Guard, LGU Panglao, Barangay Tawala, Alona by JPark Island Resort, Bantay Dagat, and the Panglao Municipal Tourism Office, secured the nesting area to minimize disturbance.

Responders initially released 15 hatchlings to assess beach suitability, while the remaining 147 were held for release under safer conditions with reduced human activity and lighting. Resort management dimmed surrounding lights, and flash photography was discouraged to prevent disorientation.

The DENR said the activity supports conservation efforts under PIRRP, the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP), and the Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS).

These include beach patrols, habitat protection, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement.

Bohol PENRO Wilson Henson said the success reflects “weeks of vigilance, commitment, and collaboration among conservation partners.”

“Every successful hatchling represents countless hours of monitoring, protection, coordination, and community support. Conservation succeeds when government agencies, local governments, private establishments, people’s organizations, volunteers, and coastal communities work together toward a common goal of protecting our marine biodiversity,” Henson said.

DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Laudemir Salac also thanked partner agencies and volunteers for their assistance.

Monitoring of the nesting site will continue until all eggs are accounted for, with a post-emergence assessment to determine hatching success. — (FREEMAN)