WWF, Palawan fishermen join hands to save marine turtles

Endangered marine turtles in Palawan are now enjoying a fighting chance at life, thanks to the efforts of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and committed local fishermen.

Since 1996, WWF spokeswoman Louella Beltran said they have been active in educating Palawan fishermen on the importance of conserving and protecting marine turtles, especially green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).

"We do not want people to think that we are just concerned about wildlife. What we want to let them know is that what we are really concerned about is sustainable fishing, and conserving marine turtles is a part of sustainable fishing. These people only have the environment to rely upon," she said.

Beltran said the success of the education program can be gauged by the commitment of local fishermen to save marine turtles, particularly those that get trapped in the baklad or fish corrals.

One of these committed fishermen is Antonio Macasaet Jr., who maintains a fish corral in Barangay Inagawan in Puerto Princesa City.

"Just last month, he (Macasaet) rescued nine turtles and released them back to the sea without a moment’s doubt. What is equally admirable is that he made sure conservation protocols were observed when he set the endangered creatures free. Concerned agencies were immediately contacted to tag the turtles for identification purposes," Beltran said.

With the help of Macasaet’s friend, Mac Villarosa, she said they informed the WWF about the trapped green sea and hawksbill turtles.

The WWF then contacted the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), the Palawan Council of Sustainable Development and the Tubbataha Management Office to help facilitate the turtles’ safe release.

Macasaet was once a member of Bantay Puerto, a local enforcement group deputized by the city government. He is currently a kagawad of Barangay Irawan and the chairman of the environment committee.

According to the WWF, early this month, Macasaet rescued three more green sea turtles which were trapped in his baklad.

"We teach them how to safely release the turtles. Unhurt turtles should be immediately released. Injured turtles should be treated before they are released. We are inspired that they (fishermen) ask for our assistance in releasing these turtles," Beltran said.

PENRO records show that 298 sea turtles have been tagged and released in Palawan waters since 1996.

Local residents usually report incidents of turtle entrapment in fish corrals to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or environmental groups.

According to the WWF, five out of the seven known marine turtle species in the world, all classified as endangered, are found in the waters of Palawan.

Marine turtles play an important role in keeping the balance of the ecosystem.

Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, it is illegal for CITES member-countries to hunt, keep and sell marine turtles.

The WWF laments that although the Philippines is a CITES member, hunting and trade of marine turtles have not been stopped.