SLSU Bontoc Resident Divemaster assists in Marine Turtle Conservation Efforts
Resident Divemaster Mr. Ryan Tomol provided technical assistance in a vital initiative to protect the rich marine biodiversity of Barangay Tangkaan, Padre Burgos, So. Leyte from November 12 to 14, 2024. The event convened local stakeholders and representatives from concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) for a consultative meeting to determine the most effective conservation approaches.
The conservation effort was organized by the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) under the Conservation and Development Division (CDD) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 8, based in Tacloban City.
The initiative was prompted by a report of marine turtle nesting in the area, leading to the proposal of a critical habitat or local conservation area for marine turtles, as outlined in DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2007-02, “Guidelines on the Establishment and Management of Critical Habitat.”
Mr. Tomol, a dedicated advocate for marine conservation, led the local community and stakeholders in activities designed to promote the sustainability and protection of the region’s vital marine resources. “Protecting our oceans and maintaining a thriving marine ecosystem is vital for our local communities, as it fosters biodiversity while ensuring sustainable resources and livelihoods,” Mr. Tomol stated.
“During our site assessment, we observed the presence of Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), which are globally classified as endangered species, and Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), critically endangered due to the loss of nesting habitats and coral reefs,” he explained.
The Green sea turtle is identifiable by its greenish carapace, which comes from its seagrass-based diet, indicating a healthy presence of seagrass in the surrounding marine areas. On the other hand, the Hawksbill turtle, known for its unique pattern of overlapping scutes (scales) on its shell, primarily feeds on sponges, using its narrow beak to extract them from the crevices of the reef, Mr. Tomol added.
Attorney Dario O. Suarez, Assistant Regional Director in the Technical Services Unit of DENR-8 shared his sentiment, highlighting the community advantages of establishing a critical habitat for marine turtles. “The initiative brings enhanced biodiversity, economic opportunities, and a healthier marine ecosystem,” Suarez said.
“These benefits underscore the importance of collective efforts to establish and protect such vital habitats, reinforcing the shared responsibility of preserving marine resources for future generations,” he added.
As Mr. Tomol and DENR-8 continue their efforts, the establishment of critical marine turtle habitats will serve as a model for other regions, reinforcing the importance of collective action in conservation.
This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
