Bantay Pawikan, Morong, Bataan

About
Bataan community organization in
Morong named Bantay Pawikan,
Inc. started the first community-
based conservation program of
Marine Turtles with the help of
UNDP-GEF-SGP-PRRM and the
Provincial Government in 1999.

5 Types of Turtle
Olive Ridley Logger Head Green Turtle
Hawks Bill
Leather Back
Facts about turtles!
Most marine turtles (especially the male ones) spend their entire
lives at sea while the females come to their nesting beach during
the coldest months of the year to lay their eggs (which look and
feel like soft and leathery ping-pong balls). If the clutch of eggs
is lucky enough not to be eaten by many predatory animals
like lizards, crabs or taken by poachers, these eggs will hatch
after 40-60 days depending on the temperature of the sand. The
volunteers and Department of Environment Natural Resources
(DENR) regularly patrol the beaches at night (as this is the time
when turtles lay their eggs) to gather them and bring them to
the centres hatchery where they are more protected until they
hatch and are subsequently released back into the sea.

TURTLES VS TORTOUISE
Flippers
Flat Shell
Shy type
Nails
Domed shape
shell

Marine turtles, all seven species of the world, are now highly
threatened for extinction- mostly threats by human
activities.
Poaching, egg gathering, slaughter, illegal fishing and
pollution are only some of the direct conflicts caused by man
to disgraceful component of the deep. While they outlived
their predecessors like the dinosaurs more than 200 million
years ago, today their struggles are more serious as they
co-exist with man-their worst predator.
Coral Reefs
The coral reefs in the Western Pacific have the highest
marine biodiversity in the world. In the waters of the
Philippines there are more than 2000 different kinds of
fish. This area is one of the most unique in the Pacific
Ocean. The coral reefs are very beautiful, ideal for divers
and snorkelling tourists. Moreover, they also protect the
shoreline by acting as a wave breaker.


Its very sad that many coral reefs have been
damaged in the past by fishermen. Many
fishermen used cyanide and dynamite to get
fish in a more easy and fast way. To use the
cyanide was an effective way not to kill but
paralyze (put them to sleep) the fish for some
time. It was then easy to collect the fish in a
relative short time. The fish was sold to
traders. Using the dynamite by the
fishermen caused a lot of damage to coral
reefs.

How to protect our CORAL REEFS?
Conserve water: The less water you use, the less runoff and
wastewater will pollute our oceans.
Help reduce pollution: Walk, bike or ride the bus. Fossil fuel
emissions from cars and industry raise lead to ocean warming
which causes mass-bleaching of corals and can lead to
widespread destruction of reefs.
Use only ecological or organic fertilizers: Although you may
live thousands of miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these
products flow into the water system, pollute the ocean, and can
harm coral reefs and marine life.
Dispose of your trash properly: Don't leave unwanted fishing
lines or nets in the water or on the beach. Any kind of litter
pollutes the water and can harm the reef and the fish.
Support reef-friendly businesses: Ask the fishing, boating,
hotel, aquarium, dive or snorkeling operators how they protect
the reef. Be sure they care for the living reef ecosystem and ask
if the organization responsible is part of a coral reef ecosystem
management effort.

Plant a tree: Trees reduce runoff into the oceans. You will also
contribute to reversing the warming of our planet and the rising
temperatures of our oceans. Help us Plant a Billion.
Practice safe and responsible diving and snorkeling: Do not
touch the reef or anchor your boat on the reef. Contact with the
coral will damage the delicate coral animals, and anchoring on
the reef can kill it, so look for sandy bottom or use moorings if
available.
Volunteer for a coral reef cleanup: You don't live near a coral
reef? Then do what many people do with their vacation: visit a
coral reef. Spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of one of the
most diverse ecosystems on the Earth.
Contact your government representatives: Demand they take
action to protect coral reefs, stop sewage pollution of our oceans,
expand marine protected areas and take steps to reverse global
warming.
Spread the word: Remember your own excitement at learning
how important the planet's coral reefs are to us and the intricate
global ecosystem. Share this excitement and encourage others to
get involved. Send a free coral reef e-card today!