Penghu Celebrates World Sea Turtle Day with Release of Rescued Turtles

Taiwan's Penghu County champions marine conservation with the release of rehabilitated sea turtles, reinforcing commitment to ocean sustainability.

TAIPEI, Taiwan – In a significant event to mark World Sea Turtle Day, the Penghu County Government released ten rehabilitated sea turtles back into the ocean from a beach in Magong City.

The event, held on Monday, June 16th, was attended by key figures including Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) and Ocean Conservation Administration Director General Lu Shiau-yun (陸曉筠), highlighting Taiwan's dedication to marine conservation.

Minister Kuan emphasized that five of the world's seven sea turtle species can be found in Taiwan's surrounding waters, applauding the Penghu Fisheries Biology Research Center's efforts in sea turtle rescue. She underscored the event's importance as part of Taiwan's broader commitment to marine sustainability.

Last year alone, 21 sea turtles were rescued in Taiwan's waters, with the Coast Guard units contributing significantly to these efforts. The released turtles comprised seven green sea turtles and three olive ridley turtles. The majority of these turtles had been rescued between 2023 and the previous year due to various injuries, stranding incidents, or environmental factors.

Notably, one of the released turtles, weighing almost 100 kilograms, had a history of stranding. It was initially released in 2022, with assistance from the county’s Dayi Temple and a tracking device. The same turtle was later found injured near the county’s Xingren Reservoir in September.

The Penghu Fisheries Biology Research Center reported that they have cared for 657 sea turtles over the past 28 years, successfully releasing 378 back into the ocean. Currently, the center provides care for around 40 turtles, including 11 that arrived between January and May.

The Ocean Conservation Administration also included an ecological education session and a briefing by Penghu’s Agriculture and Fisheries Bureau. Moreover, the administration announced the completion of an ecological survey of green sea turtles on Taiping Island, where as many as 141 female turtles came ashore to lay eggs between January and May, resulting in an estimated yield of over 30,000 hatchlings.

The administration reiterated its commitment to continuing sea turtle rescue efforts and strengthening the Marine Animal Rescue Network, a collaborative effort involving experts and organizations dedicated to the conservation of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.