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By: Anne Sherlyn G Bungcasan

The critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) has recently been spotted at XU Marine Station, where it has been engaging in a significant nesting activity. This occurrence offers a hopeful indication for the potential recovery of this species in the future.

The first recorded nesting of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle occurred during the full moon of 13 December 2024, between 6:40 pm and 7:46 PM. And, the second nesting of another Hawksbill Sea Turtle took place on 8 January 2025, from 7:20 pm to 09:00 pm. This event marked the beginning of the turtle nesting season in the area. Both nesting occurrences were diligently monitored by the center’s staff to ensure a safe and secure environment for the turtles to lay their eggs.

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Spotted Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in XU-Marine Station last 13 December 2024.

In addition, another Hawksbill Sea Turtle was set to return confirming the evidence of its footprints discovered last 21 January 2025. However, there is no sighting of the turtle’s nesting activity during the visit.

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Footprints of Hawksbill Sea Turtle, 21 January 2025.

The typical incubation for the Hawksbill Sea Turtle’s egg is approximately about two months, thus the hatching is expected in February or March 2025. Once the hatchlings emerge, they will begin their journey toward the oceans and face many challenges and obstacles to survive. To ensure protection and increase their chances of being hatched, the areas where the turtles nested were securely fenced. This type of protection helps prevent predators from reaching the eggs, increasing their successful incubation. These efforts are in alignment with the center's broader goals of creating a secure environment for endangered marine species and facilitating their recovery.

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The areas where the turtles nested were securely fenced.

The center eagerly anticipates the hatching of these turtle eggs in the coming months, the focus remains on continued conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures and ensure their survival for generations to come. The nesting events of late 2024 and early 2025 are just the beginning of a larger conservation success story at the McKeough Marine Center.