Ilocos Norte environment execs appeals for marine sea turtles’ conservation

By Leilanie G. AdrianoStaff reporterLAOAG CITY—The Ilocos Norte government through the Provincial Fisheries Division is calling on all residents to stop selling and consuming marine turtle eggs.Local environment officials said they have been monitoring the stretch of the Ilocos Norte’s shoreline from Badoc to Pagudpud towns as popular nesting areas.In a phone interview, Arthur Valente, provincial fishery regulatory officer confirmed they have received several reports from concerned citizens that some locals are still gathering sea turtle eggs amidst the presence of a national law and the local government units’ efforts to conserve and protect this endangered species.Mr. Valente warned anyone found violating this environment law shall be fined with PHP300,000 and four years imprisonment.“Marine sea turtles often lay their eggs from dusk till dawn and the peak season is from November to March. There had been reports from the ground that egg sales and consumption still continue and this must be stopped immediately,” said Mr. Valente as he enjoined all concerned authorities to help in the strict implementation of the law.In Ilocos Norte, Mr. Valente reported there are at least three types of sea turtles which are often spotted in the Ilocos shoreline. They are the olive ridley, hawksbill and green sea turtles.The International Union for the Conservation of Nature classifies these species as vulnerable and critically endangered.Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, prohibits wildlife trade, especially wildlife that are in the brink of extinction.Illegal fishing practices have threatened endangered sea turtles, whose shells are used as decorative materials. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora outlaws the capture and trade in sea turtles and the products derived from them.