“Joy” released to the sea
A GREEN Sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) named “Joy” was sent out to the sea on June 8, more than two weeks after it was surrendered to the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center (NIFTDC) in Bonuan by its finder.
The 6.5 kilogram sea creature, more popularly known by its local name pawikan, was turned over to NIFTDC by Jimmy Po who bought the turtle for P1,500 from a vendor in Tayug.
Joy was tagged and released 10 kilometers offshore by a group led by Dr. Westly Rosario, NIFTDC chief.
“Mr. Po wanted us to take care of the turtle in our pond but we deemed that it be returned to the sea where it can live with other sea creatures,” Rosario said as he thanked and lauded Po for turning over the animal.
Rosario noted that the pawikan is in the list of endangered species, and it is unlawful to catch, harm or kill these sea animals.
Rosario assured that Joy was healthy when it was turned over by Po and even healthier at the time of release.
He expressed elation over the apparent increased public awareness on the need to protect sea species, especially the endangered species such as the Green Sea Turtle.
He estimated Joy to be from five to 10 years old, calculating it from its 39 centimeter carapace length and 37 centimeter carapace weight.
In the wild, a Green Sea Turtle can have a life span of 80 years and can grow up to 1.5 meter long.–LM
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