An endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) found struggling near the shorelines of Claver, Surigao del Norte has been released back to sea, the municipality’s environment and natural resources office (MENRO) said Thursday.

In a statement, the MENRO-Claver said the green sea turtle, locally known as “pawikan,” was rescued and handed over by a local fisherman on Wednesday to personnel of the local maritime police.

“The marine turtle weighed 12-15 kilos with curved carapace length and curved carapace width measured 39 inches and 33 inches, respectively,” the MENRO-Claver said.

After examination and assessment, the MENRO-Claver said the turtle was fit and immediately released back to the sea on the same day, particularly in Barangay Hayanggabon.

“Section 27 of the Republic Act 9147 also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act prohibits collecting, hunting, and possessing of wildlife and their by-products and derivatives,” the MENRO-Claver said.

The MENRO-Claver also cited the fisherman who rescued the green sea turtle and its turnover to proper authorities for proper disposition.

“Let us be vigilant in the protection and conservation of marine species and other wildlife,” it said. (PNA)