The sea turtle (Chelonia Mydas) is released to the ocean after he was rescued and cared for by local fishermen in Quảng Nam Province's Thăng Bình District. Photo courtesy of Chàm Islands MPA

CHÀM ISLANDS  — A sea turtle that was rescued and cared for by fisherman after it became trapped in a net, has been released back into the ocean.

The endangered species became tabled during storms that hit the central region back in November.

After getting trapped, fishermen rescued the animal before handing him over to the Chàm Island’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) management board who worked in conjunction with Đà Nẵng-based SaSa Marine animal rescue team.

Although the turtle had some cuts, he made a full recovery and was released back into the sea on Wednesday. 

Experts say the turtle weighs 10.5kg and is estimated to be around 10 years old. 

Last year, a female Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys Olivacea) was rescued and returned to the ocean after five months of care at the MPA.

A member of the Chàm Islands MPA carries the sea turtle to the sea for release. Photo courtesy of Chàm Islands MPA

The Chàm Islands MPA said at least 30 sea turtles have become trapped in fishing nets off the islands since 2018. Two-thirds die after becoming entangled.

The city of Hội An has been building sea turtle conservation centres on beaches of the Chàm Islands, and expanding the core zone for special protection to 30 a total of 33,000ha.

Only seven species of sea turtle exist in the world, and five of those are found living in Việt Nam. — VNS