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Marine turtles are among the
world’s most endangered species. As declared by the
International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Resources
(IUCN), all species of marine turtles and their population are
fast diminishing due to animal predation and human
exploitation.
By virtue of Executive Order
No. 542 signed on 26 June 1979, the Task Force Pawikan now
referred to as the Pawikan Conservation Project (PCP) became the
government’s urgent response for the dwindling marine turtle
population in the country. The main objective of the PCP is to
develop and implement conservation and protection policies,
management and propagation schemes and nationwide information
and education programs to ensure the survival and growth of
marine turtles. The Project started in 1981 with pilot sites in
Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi.
Accomplishments:
·
Patrolled the 1.6
nesting beach of Baguan Island (0.34 km2)
·
Maintained marine
turtle hatcheries in the Baguan Island, Turtle Islands Wildlife
Sanctuary; and Morong and Bagac, Bataan.
·
Monitored marine
turtle hatcheries in Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi, Morong and
Bagac in Bataan.
ü
Tagged a total of
123 marine turtles (13- Olive ridley turtle, 104 Green turtle, 6
Hawksbill turtle)
ü
Monitored and
recorded a total of 1,542 nests
ü
Transplanted
9,475 marine turtle eggs contained in 167 nests
ü
Released 1,166
hatchlings that emerged from the hatchery
·
In collaboration
with Conservation International- Philippines, PCP conducted
consultation meetings with stakeholders in the Turtle Islands
Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) regarding the proposed management
plan. These resulted to the approval of the proposed Management
Plan by TIWS-PAMB and endorsed by the RED to Secretary Atienza
for approval of the said management plan.
·
Identified and
confirmed seven (7) nesting sites of hawksbill turtles in
Aurora, Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City
·
Conducted habitat
survey and lectures on marine turtle conservation 8 coastal
barangays in Medina, Misamis Oriental and 8 coastal barangays of
Aurora.
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