An olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) was rescued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) in Navotas City at the height of bad weather last weekend.

In a Facebook post on Friday, the DENR reminded the public of the importance of promptly contacting relevant agencies for any wildlife encounter, underscoring the importance of swift public action in saving wildlife.

“Unang namataan ang pawikan ng isang residente na nakapansing hirap itong gumalaw at hindi makabalik sa dagat. Mabilis itong iniulat sa Command Center ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Navotas, na agad namang ipinaabot sa (The turtle was first spotted by a resident who noticed it struggling to move and unable to return to the sea. This was quickly reported to the Navotas City Government Command Center, which immediately forwarded it to the) DENR-Metropolitan Environmental Office North (DENR MEO–North),” the DENR-MEO said.

“Hinihikayat ng ahensya ang agarang pag-uulat ng mga insidenteng may kinalaman sa mga buhay-ilang upang matiyak ang kanilang kaligtasan at proteksyon (The agency encourages the immediate reporting of wildlife-related incidents to ensure their safety and protection).”

The DENR-NCR said that a resident spotted the turtle stranded along the shores of Barangay San Roque on July 20.

The turtle was immediately transported to the office of the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) where it was found to have inflammation in its throat and flippers.

The agency said that the injuries sustained by the turtle were likely caused by storm-induced trauma or marine debris. It is now under observation and receiving medical care.

The action taken by the agency is in accordance with Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, which aims to promote the conservation of animals and plants in the country.

Olive Ridley turtles are one of the smallest and most widely distributed sea turtles in the world. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says that despite their range, they face increasing threats brought by coastal developments, plastic pollution, climate change, and accidental capture when trapped in fishing nets.

This turtle species is listed as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) states that sea turtles, including the olive ridley turtles, are a fundamental link in marine ecosystems and help maintain the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds.

From controlling jellyfish populations to enriching coastal ecosystems, these marine guardians, normally found in the tropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, help maintain ecological balance.

“Ang Pilipinas, partikular ang Luzon, ay kinikilala bilang mahalagang bahagi ng kanilang migratory at nesting route. Gayunpaman, ang matitinding epekto ng mga kalamidad tulad ng bagyo ay nagdudulot ng panganib sa kanilang natural na galaw at kabuuang populasyon (The Philippines, particularly Luzon, is recognized as an important part of their migratory and nesting routes. However, the severe impacts of natural disasters, such as typhoons pose a threat to their natural movements and overall population),” the DENR-NCR said. (PNA)