The sea turtle (Chelonia Mydas) is released to the ocean after he was rescued and cared for by local fishermen in Quang Nam province's Thang Binh district. (Photo courtesy of Cham Island's MPA) The endangered species became tabled during storms that hit the central regionback in November.
After getting trapped, fishermen rescued the animal before handing him over tothe Cham Island’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) management board who worked inconjunction with Da Nang -based SaSa Marine animal rescue team.
Although the turtle had some cuts, he made a full recovery and was releasedback into the sea on February 24.
Experts say the turtle weighs 10.5kg and is estimated to be around 10 yearsold.
Last year, a female Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys Olivacea) was rescued andreturned to the ocean after five months of care at the MPA.
The Cham Islands MPA said at least 30 sea turtles have become trapped infishing nets off the islands since 2018. Two-thirds die after becomingentangled.
The city of Hoi An has been building sea turtle conservation centres on beachesof the Cham Islands, and expanding the core zone for special protection to 30 atotal of 33,000ha.
Only seven species of sea turtle exist in the world, and five of those arefound living in Vietnam./.
VNA
