A Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) rescued on March 1 in Tawi-Tawi died from injuries before its scheduled release on March 5, according to the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Region. The turtle, the first officially recorded in South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi, belonged to a critically endangered species. Local fisherman Nannan Isdawali found the turtle entangled in his net, freed it, and contacted MENRE’s Provincial ENRE office for assistance. Personnel from MENRE-PENREO Tawi-Tawi and the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary assessed its condition before turning it over to authorities on March 3. Despite immediate care, the sea turtle succumbed to injuries, including scratches on its neck, head, and frontal flipper, as well as abrasions on its carapace. MENRE noted that the incident underscores the threats faced by Leatherback Sea Turtles, such as habitat destruction, illegal fishing, and accidental capture in fishing gear, and highlights the importance of community and authority collaboration in conserving endangered marine species.
