Marine turtles are now assured of a safe haven along the coasts of Carmen, Agusan del Norte which has been declared as a critical habitat by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2012-08 has designated 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.
DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, who signed the DAO, said that the order was in accordance with Republic Act (RA) No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
“Declaring a critical habitat for threatened species would help guarantee their continued existence. It would also encourage the local community to work with us in protecting and conserving critically endangered species such as the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) which has found a home in Carmen,” he said.
Carmen is a fourth class municipality known for its dive sites owing to a rich marine life, particularly in Vinapor and Tagcatong. The designated critical habitat, along with other coastal areas in the adjacent municipality of Magsaysay in Misamis Oriental, has been observed as nesting grounds of the hawksbill sea turtle. Sea turtles, although migratory, are known to nest in beaches where they have been hatched despite after having traveled thousands of miles across the ocean.
Under the Administrative Order, the DENR-Caraga regional office would establish the statistical, topographic and geographic features of the area. The office should ensure that the ecosystems within the critical habitat are preserved and kept conducive for the marine turtles and other forms of wildlife. This includes ensuring that developmental activities within and around the area would safeguard the ecological integrity of the critical habitat.
The regional office is also tasked to enforce all applicable environmental laws against “prohibited acts” defined under RA 9147, such as dumping of waste products, human settlement, mineral extraction or exploration, burning, logging and quarrying.
A Critical Habitat Management Plan shall be jointly prepared by the DENR-Caraga along with the local government of Carmen and other stakeholders, and shall serve as guide in the management of the critical habitat.
Marine or sea turtles are reptiles characterized by flipper-like arms used for swimming, and a flattened body shape with a protective carapace. The hawksbill sea turtle is particularly distinguishable by its curving beak.
Marine turtles mostly feed on seagrass, plankton and jellyfish. Juveniles usually fall prey to predators such as seagulls and bigger fish, while adults are usually hunted by humans for their shells, which serve as ornaments or accessories, or for their meat. Some also drown when caught in nets or floating garbage. Most species are considered endangered. [PNA]
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