But tagging the endangered species cannot be done as often and as frequently as DLNR wants to.
DLNR public information officer Joe Ruak said turtle tagging is important to keep track of the animal’s population.
But Ruak said the lack of manpower, fuel and resources hinders them from conducting frequent turtle tagging activities.
“There are months when we tag a lot turtles, and some months when we tag a few of them,” he said.
There are two types of sea turtles in the CNMI: the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle, but most of those that were tagged were green sea turtles, Ruak said.
He said whenever DLNR’s Division of Fish and Wildlife conducts in-water turtle tagging activities, a certified diver catches the turtles and brings them to the surface.
“Tagging takes about 15 minutes on the average where the staff will get the measurements of the turtle, record the data, attach the tag to the turtle and finally release the turtle back to the water,” Ruak said.
The tags for turtles are provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program office.
Ruak said they plan to extend their turtle tagging activities to Tinian, Rota and Northern Islands when funds are available.
During a nesting season, a sea turtle may lay up to a thousand eggs, but only one may live.
“We would like to appeal to the community to help take care of our turtles. They need all the help they can get,” Ruak said.
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