World · Philippines Bureau
83 Olive Ridley hatchlings released into Tayabas Bay in Quezon
A batch of 83 endangered sea turtle hatchlings were returned to the waters off Sariaya, Quezon on Wednesday, marking the start of this year's release season. The juvenile Olive Ridley turtles, known locally as pawikan, were set free along a shoreline in Barangay Bignay 2.
LSN Philippines ·
LUCENA CITY — Conservation efforts in Tayabas Bay received a boost Wednesday afternoon when 83 Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released into the waters off Sariaya, Quezon. The juvenile pawikan were set free at 4:30 p.m. along the shoreline of Barangay Bignay 2, signaling the beginning of this nesting season's release program.
The coordinated release drew spectators from the local community, including fishermen who lined the shore to witness the hatchlings begin their journey into the bay. The event underscores ongoing conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the vulnerable Lepidochelys olivacea species, which faces threats from habitat loss, pollution, and illegal egg collection across Southeast Asia.
The Olive Ridley turtle is among the world's smallest sea turtle species and is classified as vulnerable by international conservation standards. Tayabas Bay serves as an important nesting and feeding ground for the species in Philippine waters, making the region a focal point for marine turtle protection efforts.