Second olive ridley sea turtle nest of the season found in Bauang, La Union

BAUANG, La Union — Bauang, La Union, discovered its second olive ridley sea turtle nest of the season, containing 110 eggs, early Saturday, October 24, and transferred it to a hatchery for protection.

At around 5 a.m., local resident Steve Llabaya spotted sea turtle tracks along the beach and immediately reported the discovery to Barangay Captain Edgar Beninsig. His prompt action enabled local authorities to respond swiftly and secure the nest.

With the assistance of the Municipality of Bauang, the nest was carefully transferred to a hatchery, where the eggs will be monitored and protected. The effort aims to safeguard the eggs and give the hatchlings a chance to emerge safely after 60 days.

Llabaya was recognized for his vigilance and initiative, while Barangay Captain Beninsig, who also serves as president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Bauang, was acknowledged for his support.

The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of the Bauang local government unit also helped secure and protect the nest.

The discovery highlights the importance of community involvement in protecting marine wildlife.

On October 13, a local pawikan patroller discovered the season’s first olive ridley sea turtle nest in Ili Sur, San Juan, La Union, marking the start of the nesting season in the province. The nest contained 114 eggs. Hatchlings from the first nest are expected to emerge around December 13, while those from the second nest, discovered in Bauang, may emerge around December 24.

Marine conservation group Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions (CURMA), which works with local partners to protect nesting turtles and their young, said sea turtles released in the area are expected to return to La Union’s shores in the coming months to nest.

Sea turtles are considered “keystone species” because they play critical roles in maintaining the structure and balance of marine ecosystems. Herbivorous green turtles and sponge-eating hawksbill turtles, in particular, help sustain healthy tropical marine environments through their ecological functions.

Since 2010, CURMA has witnessed more than 54,000 olive ridley hatchlings released into the sea, with the turtles expected to return to La Union’s beaches to lay their eggs. “We are urging beachgoers to keep the coastline clean, quiet and dark at night,” Carlos Tamayo, CURMA executive director, said.

Artificial lights, noise and human activity can disrupt nesting turtles and endanger hatchlings as they make their way to the sea.

Visitors are also advised to keep motorized vehicles and bonfires off nesting beaches, fill in holes before leaving, and remove beach furniture that could obstruct hatchlings.

Residents are encouraged to report sea turtle tracks and nesting sites to local authorities and avoid disturbing them. Every protected nest offers hope for a new generation of sea turtles to hatch and eventually make their way to the sea.