DENR steps up sea turtle watch this summer

TACLOBAN CITY, April 24 (PNA) - The regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas has reminded the public anew on the protection of endangered marine turtles.

DENR Regional Director Leonardo Sibbaluca, solicited support from the concerned government agencies, local government units, non-government and private organizations, stakeholders and the general public, to help in the protection and preservation of the endangered marine turtles.

Sibbaluca observed that the favorable fishing season this summer, fishermen can go fishing to deep sea there’s greater possibility that fishermen will encounter marine turtles.

He added that marine turtles are mostly captured by fishermen from March to September where there are no typhoons.

The DENR official said that his office is intensifying its campaign on the protection of the marine turtles by issuing directive to his field officers all over the region, especially in the coastal areas, to step up marine turtle protection drive.

Sibbaluca said that the intensified campaign is designed for better understanding and awareness of the public, especially those living in coastal areas, on the importance and preservation of the marine turtles.

Another objective, he added, is for the people to be aware of the law protecting the marine turtles and for them not to catch, hurt, kill or slaughter the endangered species.

Sibbaluca said that marine turtles are protected under Republic Act 9147 otherwise known as Wildlife Act of 2001 and the violators will be fined for PHP20,000-PHP50,000 and with imprisonment of three months to six months depending upon the discretion of the court.

The DENR urged the public to report to the authorities, or any community environment and natural resources office in their area, regarding caught marine turtles by fishermen for the marine reptile to tagged and be returned back to the sea. (PNA)
BNB/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR