By: Zsarlette Alanne A. Cabana, MAERS Center Intern

Hatchlings of the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nests were documented at the Xavier University (XU) Marine Station in Solana, Jasaan. On 25 January 2026, the Hawksbill sea turtle was nesting at the marine station. To ensure the nest remained safe from potential predators, a protective net was carefully placed around the perimeter.

Net surrounding turtle nest

The first batch of hatchlings emerged last 27 March 2026, at around 6:00 PM. The status of 90 hatchlings were documented, with recorded numbers showing 89 alive and 1 dead. For the remaining eggs, they were not counted after the initial turtle eggs had hatched.

Around early morning on 10 April 2026, the second nest of hatchlings emerged, followed by their release later within the day at around 7:00-8:00 PM. After the nest was carefully excavated on 13 April 2026, a total of 100 hatchlings were recorded, with 66 alive, 1 dead, and 33 considered as unhatched, spoiled or dead eggs.

Newly hatched Hawksbill sea turtles

The third and last nest of hatchlings emerged and were consequently released last 17 April 2026, with around13 documented hatchlings, with 10 alive and 3 dead. When the nest was excavated on Monday, 20 April 2026, findings revealed 140 unhatched, spoiled or dead eggs—likely due to an unsuitable hatching site leading to an inability to efficiently provide the necessary conditions for these eggs to hatch.

Dead and empty shells

The Xavier University - MAERS Center remains committed to overseeing and safeguarding of nesting sites, providing these endangered species with the necessary resources they need to be able to complete their life cycle and provide for future generations to come.