Rescued turtles tagged, released

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KOTA KINABALU: It was all smiles and celebration in Mabul Island as two rescued green sea turtles were released back to the sea after recovering from treatment and a successful rehabilitation.

The two turtles were rescued in a weak state back in May. They were tended for their illness by Sabah Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU). They recuperated well under the critical care of Scuba Junkie SEAS staff of Mabul Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

David McCann, Conservation Manager for Scuba Junkie SEAS stated: “We believe that promoting marine conservation and protecting the species that live in our seas, is a responsibility of all dive operators. This is why we have a turtle hatchery and rehabilitation centre – it allows us to contribute to turtle conservation in this area in a practical manner.”

On June 24, the turtles were given a last medical check, tagged and also had satellite tags placed on them before final release. The satellite placement was under the collaboration with Dr Nicolas Pilcher, Executive Director of Marine Research Foundation( MRF).

“MRF is really pleased to support the sea turtle rehabilitation efforts of the WRU in partnership with Scuba Junkie. Tracking rehabilitated sea turtles will allow us to determine just how well they readapt to their natural environment, and also let us know what areas they inhabit – allowing us to concentrate conservation efforts in those areas, ” stressed Dr Nicholas.

“This is a positive example of private sector and non-governmental bodies working closely with the Sabah Wildlife Department towards conservation of the marine life,” added Dr Nicholas.

WRU acting manager Dr Diana Ramirez was grateful for Scuba Junkie and  Marine Research Foundation for their passion and dedication to the betterment of marine life.

“With partnerships like this, the fate of sea turtles in Sabah is well on a good direction,” she said.