The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has declared 5,756 hectares along the coast of Carmen, Agusan del Norte as a critical habitat for marine turtles, as most species are considered endangered. Secretary Ramon Paje issued DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2012-08, which designates a 5,756-hectare (57.56 square kilometer) area spanning the five barangays of Vinapor, Gosoon, San Agustin, Cahayagan and Tagcatong as the "Carmen Critical Habitat" for marine turtles. He cited that the order was in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

De Vera, E. B. (2012, October 31). Sea turtle habitat protection established. Manila Bulletin, p. 8.