Marine Wildlife Watch

Learn more about marine turtles

The Philippines is in a unique position to save the pawikan.

1. As many as four different species have nesting sites all along our coast. But in the past 10 years, their population has declined by as much as 80%. Imagine what a difference we could make if we learned to protect the marine turtles that are born on our shores.

2. Our Pawikans play a key role in promoting the ocean’s health and biodiversity, with each species fulfilling their part.

3. Five out of seven species of marine turtles could be found in the Philippines. The green and olive ridley turtles are the most common nesters, followed by the hawksbill turtles but rarely, the leatherback turtles. Only the loggerhead turtle has no record of nesting in the Philippines.

PAWIKAN WATCH PH

Throughout the years, Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines has been involved in the research and conservation of marine turtles in our country. The increase of reports of nest disturbance, strandings, deaths, and exploitation has raised the numbers of individuals, groups, and organizations that engage in marine turtle conservation.

Pawikan Watch PH aims to educate and raise awareness on the threats these marine turtles encounter in order to help lessen the dangers it causes to the marine turtle populations in the Philippines.

SPECIES LIST & STATUS

Quick Response to Marine Turtle Incidents When live or dead marine turtles are encountered on the beach, in the shallows, or entangled in nets, most situations would require a response. This poster serves as an easy guide to ensure the response is carried out appropriately for various situations in the field. They are meant to supplement the Aquatic Wildlife Rescue and Response Manual Series.

The Aquatic Marine Wildlife Rescue and Response Manual on Marine Turtles Marine turtles are usually encountered on the beach while they are nesting and as hatchlings as they make their way to the sea. They could also be found distressed when stranded, diseased, or accidentally caught in fishing gears. The Aquatic Marine Wildlife Rescue and Response Manual on Marine Turtles offers appropriate ways to respond to marine turtle incidents including the release of stranded and captured marine turtles back to the sea, protection of nests, and data collection from dead and live turtles. The proper response ensures that each individual marine turtle is protected and given the chance to make a significant contribution to its population.