A representative of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area Management Board in Danang said on February 9 that the unit had worked with local authorities to return the turtle to the wild.
Fishermen hand over the sea turtle for release into the wild (Photo: Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area Management Board).
The turtle was found by Tran Canh, 52, from Bai Huong Hamlet, Tan Hiep Commune, while he was setting nets offshore. He freed the animal and immediately contacted local officials and the protected area management board to arrange its release.
The turtle was identified as an olive ridley sea turtle, weighing about 27 kilogrammes and measuring roughly 60cm in both length and width. It was in good condition.
After receiving the turtle, the management board tagged it in line with regulations and released it back into the sea, where it was seen swimming strongly.
The olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List and is listed in Vietnam among endangered, precious and rare species prioritised for protection.
The protected area management board said the species typically inhabits tropical waters and coral reef ecosystems, but faces threats including accidental entanglement in fishing gear, habitat degradation, marine pollution and illegal exploitation.
Authorities urged the public not to buy, keep or harm sea turtles, and to report sightings to conservation units or local officials.