A rare turtle released into sea

The sea turtle in close-up

On the afternoon of March, the Provincial Department of Fisheries (DARD), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Phu Vang district, the authorities of Phu An commune and the Border Checkpoint of Thuan An Beach released the turtle into the sea. This is the 19th turtle that has been released by the Provincial Department of Fisheries and local rescue department since 2013.

Previously, at 4am of the same day, when checking on their stake nets in Phu An Lagoon (Tam Giang lagoon system), fisherman Tran Van May and his son Tran Van Hoa (Dinh Cu hamlet, Phu An commune) found a dark yellow sea turtle trapped in the fishing net. Mr. May brought the turtle home and reported it to the authorities.

The provincial Department of Fisheries (DARD) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Phu Vang district release the turtle into the sea

After examining, the Department of Fisheries identified this as a marine turtle, from the family of olive ridley sea turtle which is 40cm long, 35cm wide, and it weighs 8kg. This is a species of rare turtle in the Red Book of Vietnam, which is at EC level requiring preservation and protection.

Story and photos: Ha Nguyen