An endangered female Green Sea Turtle trapped in a Fish Corral off Cancabato Bay in Burayan San Jose, Tacloban was rescued at around 7:00 a.m. on Monday by members of the Fisheries Law Enforcement Team (FLET).

Fisherman Emilio Onate, 68 saw the sea turtle inside a fish corral – a native fish trap, and immediately notified the Fisheries Law Enforcement Team (FLET) of the City.

Onate said that this is not the first time his fish trap caught an endangered marine turtle, and every time it happens, he would promptly coordinate with the FLET.

Meantime, FLET Head Carlos Dave Castello coordinated with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office for the proper assessment procedures.

After the assessment conducted by CENRO Wildlife Enforcement Officer Maraina Donceras, Jr., the sea turtle measuring 49 centimeters in length and 47 centimeters in width was tagged and immediately released back into the wild.

Republic Act No. 9147 or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act” prohibits the catching, selling or consuming of protected species.

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Photos by D. Abarquez/CIO