Introduction
As if we needed another reason to love El Nido, did you know that its stunning beaches are also hotspots for nesting marine turtles? That’s right! Out of the 7 species of marine turtles in the world, 5 can be found in the Philippines, and 3 nest right here in El Nido. These guys have also been seen mating, feeding, and generally hanging around various reef areas all over the bay.
Marine turtles, or “pawikan” in the native tongue, are ocean-dwelling reptiles that have been around for 250 million years – about the same age as our very own limestone cliffs. They can live for more than 60 years and the females are known to nest in the very same beach they were born in, or thereabouts. During the nesting season, females typically lay several clutches of eggs which could go from as few as 40 pieces to a whopping 190 pieces. Once laid, the clutch incubates for about 45-75 days, with sex ratios highly dependent on the average temperature of the sand. Warmer temperatures mean more females while cooler temperatures mean more males are born.
Marine turtles have a mere 1% chance of survival and this is mainly due to problems caused by humans. Trash, coastal development, light pollution, poaching, and climate change all pose a serious threat to their survival. Luckily, we have groups in El Nido who are actively working towards its conservation. Ten Knots Group’s (El Nido Resorts and Lio Tourism Estate) Environment and Sustainability Department, Asian Conservation Foundation, and Sunmai Bar are just some of these groups.
Tips to be Responsible Tourists
Travelers such as yourself can also play a huge part in pawikan conservation efforts. How? Here are a few helpful tips:
- Choose to Reuse. Say no to single-use materials such as plastics and go for reusable water bottles, straws, cutleries, and the like. Less consumption means less trash.
- CLean As You Go (CLAYGO). Dispose of your garbage in designated bins and segregate while you’re at it. If you find loose junk that isn’t yours, do nature a favor and pick it up.
- Pace, Don’t Chase. Nothing scares a turtle more easily than an over-excited swimmer thrashing about. Keep your distance and swim calmly.
- Respect the Momma (and her babies!). If you spot a nesting female on the beach, keep your distance and don’t shine any light on her. Likewise, let hatchlings walk towards the ocean unhampered.
- For cases of poaching and illegal trade, report violators to the Protected Area Office located along Calle Real, beside the El Nido Municipal Office.
Turtle-y awesome, huh?
Local Efforts
Ten Knots
- Nest and hatchling management
- Types of turtles nesting: Green Sea (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) & Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)
- Training and capacity building
- Rescue and rehabilitation
- Necropsy
- Contact: Facebook
Asian Conservation Foundation
- Nest and hatchling management
- Hatchery
- Type of turtle nesting: Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Sunmai Bar, Nacpan:
- Nest and hatchling management
- On-site hatchery
- Type of turtle: Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Read more on Sunmai’s turtle conservation efforts.
Turtle Hatchery Map
Some notes on the map:
- Guintungauan is also know as Turtle Island. It’s an established Restricted Zone (no boats, tours, etc.)
- Dilumacad Island is owned and operated by the Asian Conservation Foundation
- The rest are Ten Knots sites
- Not in map: Henry’s hatchery in Nacpan
- Disclaimer for the map — *sites shown are those with established protection only
**Note- A shortened version of this article first appeared in ESTEL Magazine Issue 2 and was written by Jaime Dichaves one of El Nido Resorts Environmental Officers Website | Facebook | Instagram
