More than 5,000 baby sea turtles have been returned to their natural habitat in Tayabas Bay beginning December last year, according to an environmental group. Jay Lim, project officer of Tanggol Kalikasan (TK), said a total of 5,201 baby turtles have been released into the bay as of Jan. 5, as he noted the end of their nesting season by February. The turtles, known locally as “pawikan,” were offspring of turtle species olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), which laid their eggs on the shores of Tayabas Bay sometime October to December.

Mallari, D. T. Jr. (2024, January 7). Over 5,000 baby turtles released in Tayabas Bay. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A3.