On World Oceans Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is calling for public support to protect the nesting site of a critically endangered leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in the coastal town of Sta. Ana in Cagayan province.

A female leatherback turtle recently laid eggs along the shoreline of Brgy. Centro in the said town, and then returned to the sea. The residents have secured the area with nets. The turtle’s carapace measured 200 centimeters long and 100 cm wide.

Environment Chief Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga has ordered DENR Cagayan Valley Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan to ensure strict protection of the area by deploying personnel to monitor the nesting site of this marine resource on a 24-hour basis.