Aside from the picturesque beaches, Boracay is well loved for the different and diverse set of species you can come across. One such example is sea turtles. Boracay is actually home to 4 out of the 5 sea turtle species which find their home in the Philippines. For that reason, these sea turtles are often treated with the proper amount of respect by the locals and relevant government units.
(LOOK: Hawksbill Sea Turtles are Released Back Into the Ocean in Boracay)
However, there are still incidents from time to time which show the blatant disregard of humans for nature and animals alike. An event demonstrating exactly this recently took place in Boracay. Marine biologist Haron Deo Vargas of the municipal government of Malay, Aklan shared the story of one poor sea turtle through a Facebook post.
https://www.facebook.com/harondeovargas/posts/2817359985002657
According to Vargas the sea turtle was first found in the Tambisaan snorkeling area. Some island hopping operators spotted the creature floating with a spear visibly attached to her body. They brought the turtle to shores where a local attempted to help by removing the spear. Unfortunately, it was a move that proved more harm than good. Vargas explains that removing the spear only agitated the wound.
(The Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle Nears Extinction as One of the Last Four of Its Kind Dies)
Vargas, along with officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), were called to help by the same island hopping operators. They were unable to do much for the sea turtle as the resort they were brought to lacked facilities and a veterinarian. She passed that same night due to damage from the wound.
https://www.facebook.com/harondeovargas/posts/2819892988082690
The marine biologist would just like people to remember that “these gentle animals are threatened species already and are protected under Philippine laws. Consuming them is not safe due to [the] presence [of] toxic materials in their meat.”
How do you think we can tackle the problem of poaching?
