Chinese softshell turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) have found their way in the waters of Pampanga, Bulacan, and Bataan, preying on bangus (milkfish) and tilapia fingerlings in fishponds there, an environment official said on Tuesday. Maximo Dichoso, executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon, said he formed a task force to address complaints against the proliferation of the turtles in the region’s waters. The turtles grow to a foot long and have made their way to Manila Bay through ballast water discharged by ships docking in Manila, Dichoso told Inquirer.

Orejas, T., & Malig, J. (2013, February 7). Turtle breed menace to fish farms. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A9.