69 Critically Endangered Hawksbill Turtle Hatchlings Returned to Sea in Zamboanga del Norte
In a significant conservation effort, environment and village officials released 69 critically endangered Hawksbill turtle hatchlings back to the sea on Friday, February 13, 2026. The event took place in Mamad village, Baliguian, located within the province of Zamboanga del Norte.
Coordinated Release Effort by DENR and Local Community
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced the successful release on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. According to the DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula office, the hatchlings were released by personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Siocon. The operation was conducted in strict accordance with established wildlife handling protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of the young turtles.
The release was initiated following a report from local residents who discovered the turtle hatchlings in Mamad village. "Personnel from the Conservation and Development Section immediately verified the report and carried out the release in accordance with wildlife handling protocols," stated the DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula in an official release. This prompt action underscores the importance of community involvement in wildlife protection efforts.
Community Support and Collaboration
The release activity was conducted in close coordination with Mamad Village Councilor Elsa Amper and received strong support from community members. This collaboration highlights the vital role that local governance and public participation play in effective environmental conservation. By working together, officials and residents ensured that the hatchlings were safely returned to their natural habitat.
Critical Status of Hawksbill Turtles
The Hawksbill turtle is classified as Critically Endangered under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09 and by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This species faces severe threats from habitat loss and illegal trade, making conservation efforts like this release critically important for their survival. The release of these 69 hatchlings represents a small but meaningful step toward bolstering the population of this endangered marine species.
Ongoing Conservation and Public Awareness Initiatives
The DENR emphasized that this activity is part of continuing efforts to strengthen coastal and wildlife protection while raising public awareness about marine conservation. The department encourages the public to report any marine turtle nesting activities and to avoid disturbing nesting sites. Such community vigilance is essential for the long-term protection of endangered species and their habitats.
This release not only contributes to the preservation of biodiversity but also serves as an educational moment for the local community, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship and collaborative conservation actions.
