MORE than 600 hatchlings of olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) successfully made their way back to sea through the conservation efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and their conservation partners.

The 600 hatchlings simultaneously crawled toward the shores of Pag-asa village in Bagac town to begin their journey back to their natural home.

According to Merliza Torre, head of DENR office in Bagac, the releasing of marine turtles was organized by Eco Warriors, a non-government organization advocating for environmental conservation, and the DENR. It is a regular activity done to sustain turtle's population and uphold its ecological importance to marine ecosystem.

Famed for its marine wealth, Torre added that the coasts of Bagac and Morong towns are well-known nesting grounds of hawksbill, olive ridley and green sea turtles.

To date, 2,000 marine turtles have been released by the Eco Warriors, along with the DENR office in Bagac and partner local government units in Bataan.

In the coming weeks, 6,000 more hatchlings of marine turtles will be released in the coasts of Bagac and Morong towns.

The DENR continues to encourage local communities to conserve marine resources and report any illegal activities, which may threaten marine turtle population and its nesting grounds.