Olive Ridley Sea Turtle rescued, rehabilitated, and released in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS)

A male Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) was found trapped inside a fishing net at Sitio San Vicente, Barangay Silway, General Santos City on January 29, 2022. Victoriano Picar, the responding Bantay Dagay, noticed a nylon string hanging from the turtle's mouth and suspected ingestion of fishing hook.

SBPS Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) In-House Veterinarian Dr. Roy Mejorada had to perform basic surgery to remove the fishing hooks lodged in the turtle's esophagus.

“We needed to perform basic surgery for the marine turtle. The hook may disrupt its feeding, causing starvation and eventual death.” Vet Mejorada said during an interview.
 
After five (5) days of recuperation, the City ENRO of General Santos City together with PAMO-SBPS Personnel tagged and released the rescued marine turtle.

“Marine Turtles are indicative of a healthy bay. They signify the abundance of prey such as jellyfish, small fishes, crabs, shrimps, algae, and sea urchins within the seascape." PASU SBPS Joy Ologuin said, "To date, this is the 4th marine turtle stranding we recorded for 2022. Two of the stranded turtles were successfully released back to the sea, while the other two were already dead when they stranded.”

"We urge our fisherfolks to refrain from fishing in areas with presence of marine turtles." Sarangani PENR Officer Elvira Lumayag appealed to the public. "If you come upon a stranded pawikan (marine turtle), you can report it to your Barangay Captain, Local ENRO, or the closest DENR Office, and we will respond."