Nasipit: The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte (CENRO-Nasipit) has called on residents of five coastal barangays in Carmen town to remain vigilant and help protect sea turtle nesting areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, the barangays of Vinapor, Gosoon, San Agustin, Cahayagan, and Tagcatong are part of the Carmen Critical Habitat for Marine Turtles, designated under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2012-08.

'These coastal communities are critical habitats and play an essential role in the conservation of marine turtles,' CENRO-Nasipit head Nelson Caranzo said in an interview on Thursday. From March to April this year, at least three turtle nesting incidents were reported in the area. The first was sighted on March 12 in Barangay Vinapor by a resort caretaker, followed by another on March 28, just a few meters away.

'On April 8, a green sea turtle was also spotted near a beach resort in Barangay Tagcatong, likely in search of a nesting site,' Caranzo added. He said both CENRO-Nasipit and the Carmen municipal government have taken protective measures to secure the identified nesting sites.

Over the past three years, around 30 turtle nests have been recorded across the five barangays, highlighting the ecological significance of the area. CENRO continues to work closely with residents and resort owners to raise awareness and ensure the preservation of these vital marine ecosystems.