Save the ‘pawikan’

Last year, our friends ran into some people on the shore of San Juan, La Union, excitedly picking up baby turtles (pawikan) with the intention of bringing them home. Unfortunately, these hatchlings do not thrive in home environments.

So, our friends called up the DENR-PAWB and Bataan Pawikan Sanctuary, whose staff told them to let the turtles crawl back to the ocean at sunset. This way, the reptilian babies can remember the place where they took off when it’s time for them to return to lay their eggs.

From September to March each year, marine turtles travel from south to north to lay their eggs in nesting sites all throughout western Luzon.

These gentle creatures move from one country to another and feed on sea grass, which in turn insures the survival of corals. As they travel, turtles also consume huge amounts of jellyfish.

Erosion

What would happen if turtles disappeared? Our oceans would have no coral reefs or fish, and instead be filled with jellyfish. Beaches would be prone to erosion, and people would no longer wish to swim or play in the ocean!

These turtles are hunted and consumed in different ways. Poachers use their shells to make hair pins, sell their skin to make bags, eat their meat, or sell their eggs. There are laws banning the sale of endangered turtle eggs, but there are no policemen guarding the shores to prevent this from happening.

Let us not support the illegal sale of turtle meat and eggs, and report people who engage in it. Call (02) 925-8946. Our friends have formed Curma (Coastal and Underwater Resource Management Actions) to help save the turtles. Call Ms Tamayo at 0928 769-8641, or e-mail [email protected]. To learn more about the pawikan, call (02) 925-8946 or e-mail [email protected].

E-mail [email protected]