A critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) was safely released back into the sea after being accidentally caught in a fish corral in Barangay Tagburos earlier this week.
The sea turtle had wandered into a stationary fish trap, locally known as a baklad, but was quickly turned over to authorities by the responsible resident who discovered it.
Personnel from the 2nd Special Operations Unit (SOU) of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group responded and coordinated with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) to assess the turtle’s condition.
The animal was returned to the wild along the coast of Barangay Sta. Lourdes in a joint effort by the PNP Maritime Group and PCSD.
The hawksbill sea turtle is known for its distinctive, patterned shell and narrow beak. It is listed as “Critically Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is protected in the Philippines under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (Republic Act 9147).
