Marine Turtle Conservation Program at Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: Challenges and Opportunities During COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marine Turtle Conservation Program (MTCP) at Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park faced significant challenges and opportunities. The program, located in the Coral Triangle—a global biodiversity hotspot—successfully conserved three marine turtle species: green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata), and olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). Hatchling success averaged 82% from 2015 to 2021, with a peak of 2,476 hatchlings in 2019-2020. Key challenges included debris from Typhoon Odette, while the absence of noise during nesting seasons presented new opportunities for conservation efforts. The study used documentary analysis, net-notgraphy, virtual discussions, and structured questionnaires to assess these impacts.

Acero, L. (2023). MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION PROGRAM AT PUERTO PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC. Biotropia, 30(1), 106–115. https://doi.org/10.11598/btb.2023.30.1.1915