Turtle Nesting Season Starts in La Union!
By: Dave Leprozo, Jr., photos courtesy of Project CURMA
SAN JUAN, LA UNION — The first turtle nest of the season has been found! The sign that turtle nesting season has begun in this town of La Union.
At around 1:30 AM on October 4, pawikan or turtle patroller Johnny Manglugay – together with the Paw Patrol – discovered a sea turtle nest in Ili Norte, San Juan, La Union, just meters away from the Project CURMA or the Sea Turtle Conservation Center of the Philippines.
There were 131 healthy eggs in the nest, and these were relocated to the hatchery where these are protected and monitored until they hatch.
This early-morning find marks the start of another exciting nesting season for the turtle sanctuary. Each nest shows how vital the La Union shores are for these amazing sea turtles – and how everyone plays a role in keeping them safe.
These first hatchlings of the season are expected to emerge around December 4 when they return to sea.
As we celebrate the return of the nesting turtles who return to the shores each year, citizens can do their part by keeping the beaches safe and turtle-friendly. There are several ways for communities to participate in this. Keep the beaches clean of trash and debris. Use red or yellow lights near the beach at night; white lights can confuse nesting turtles and hatchlings. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the beach – they can destroy nests and harm hatchlings. Bonfires are not allowed – the light and heat can disturb nesting turtles and hatchlings. Fill in holes and remove beach furniture at night to prevent traps.
If you see a nesting turtle, do not disturb it. Report immediately to the LGU, PNP, DENR, or CURMA Center.
Communities can work together to help make sure every egg hatches and every hatchling makes it to the ocean.
