73 Olive Ridley Hatchlings Frenzy to the Sea

Numancia, Aklan- Seventy-three Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings have frenzied to the sea upon their release by the staff of the local government unit of Numancia, Aklan.

The Olive ridley hatchlings were hatched in the early morning of February 6, 2026 at the temporary conservation area in Brgy. Camanci Norte in the municipality of Numancia, an area being closely monitored and coordinated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial ENR Office (DENR-PENRO) of Aklan with the local government unit.

The mother Olive ridley gave birth to a total of 103 eggs and 73 have successfully joined the frenzied race toward the sea on the same day. This was a 67% hatching success rate, which usually ranges between 50%-70% among ridleys. Probable cause of other eggs getting staled was attributed to changing temperatures from cold to warm.

The hatchlings release was a big boost for local marine biodiversity in Aklan province. Local folks gathered to witness the immediate release of the Olive ridley hatchlings along the coast of Camanci Norte, Numancia, Aklan. The “frenzy” of energy among the newly-hatched ridleys powered their crawl across the sand and their first 24-36 hours of swimming.

“Since 2019, the temporary conservation area in Camanci Norte has been sustained through the provision of technical assistance from the DENR-PENRO Aklan and the dedicated protection of LGU Numancia. By protecting these nesting grounds, we ensure that our wildlife continue to thrive for the present and future generations,” said Engr. Jurlie Zubiaga, PENR Officer of Aklan DENR.

“Every single sea turtle hatchling that reaches the water is a victory for our marine and coastal ecosystem,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla. “The fact that Olive ridleys have chosen Numancia as a nesting ground is a testament to the improving health of our shores and the vigilance of our coastal communities in protecting them,” he added.

The 73 hatchlings are part of a growing trend of sea turtle activity in the province of Aklan, which has seen several successful releases in both Numancia and the nearby island of Boracay over the past year./DENR 6