‘Stressed’ pawikan surprises Gingoog fishermen

Fishermen off Gingoog City in Northern Mindanao were surprised after they saw an endangered pawikan (hawksbill sea turtle) surface in their area Friday night.

 

The Provincial Environment and Natural Reousrces Office said the turtle was a male hawksbill sea turtle, GMA Northern Mindanao's Kaye Mercado reported.

 

Citing initial information from the PENRO, the report said the turtle was 42 inches high and 32 inches wide, and weighed 70 kilos. It was estimated to be 40 to 50 years old.

 

PENRO officer Lee Sabit said it is likely the pawikan was stressed - or looking for food - and made its way to the Gingoog City area.

 

Sabit said an initial check showed the turtle did not sustain any injuries.

 

Environment officials allowed the pawikan to rest then released it back into the waters.

 

Meanwhile, the PENRO advised the public to notify authorities when they see a pawikan, and not kill or eat it. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News