Over 170 green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings were released into the sea along the coast of Sitios Diguisit and Dicasalarin in Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora. The release was a joint effort by the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Maria Aurora, the Baler municipal environment office, and local beach resort operators, part of intensified marine conservation efforts.

The hatchlings were found in separate clutches within the Aurora Watershed Forest Reserve before being returned to their natural marine habitat. Green sea turtles are the only herbivores among sea turtle species and are threatened by overharvesting of their eggs, according to the World Wildlife Fund, so every safe journey to the sea gives these threatened animals a better chance of survival.

DENR Maria Aurora community head Marivic Santos explained that through their ecological functions, green sea turtles contribute to nutrient cycling, support marine biodiversity, and help sustain productive coastal habitats. Protecting their nesting sites and ensuring the safe return of the hatchlings contributes not only to the species' conservation but to the overall health of the marine ecosystem.

DENR personnel also held an information, education, and communication campaign among residents, resort owners, and fisherfolk in Barangay Zabali, raising awareness of proper marine turtle handling, reporting sightings and nesting activities, and protecting nests and habitats. Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo stressed that the active participation of communities, coastal residents, resort owners, and fisherfolk is vital to continued protection of nesting sites and populations. "Every protected nest, every timely report, and every act of responsible stewardship contributes to giving these threatened marine species a better chance of survival," Pablo said.

The release shows a working model for marine turtle conservation in Aurora: nests found in the forest reserve are protected, hatchlings are escorted to the sea, and the community is trained to report sightings and nesting activity. Green turtles migrate long distances and live in tropical and subtropical waters, so continued vigilance by residents and resorts along the Baler coast will shape how many of these hatchlings survive to return as nesting adults.