Endangered turtles released in Philippines

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2007

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (AFP) — Four endangered green turtles that had been caught in a fish trap off the western Philippines were released into the wild on Saturday.

The turtles, weighing between 80 to 100 kilogrammes (180-220 pounds), were trapped in a huge fish trap in shallow waters off the city of Puerto Princesa last weekend, said environment officer Rogelio Paglinawan.

Before being released, they were tagged by the Protected Areas and Wildlife bureau to help monitor their migration patterns, said bureau chief Ronelyn Caabay.

The green turtles, with the scientific name "Chelonia mydas", are an endangered species and are protected under local law.

Fisherman Jaime Espinosa was given a reward of 14,000 pesos (300 dollars) by city Mayor Edward...