By Abbas Nazil
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has commended the Baale of Okun Igando, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Hon.
Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, and members of the fishing community for rescuing and releasing a critically endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle trapped in a fishing net.
Videos circulating on social media showed the massive turtle entangled in a fishing net, with community members working together to free the animal and return it alive to the Atlantic Ocean.
The rescue followed the intervention of the Baale, who stopped attempts to kill or sell the turtle and supported efforts to ensure its safe release into the sea.
NESREA Director General, Prof. Barikor, described the action of the Baale and the youths as exemplary, stressing the importance of community participation in protecting threatened wildlife.
He said Leatherback turtles and other species of sea turtles, as well as protected terrestrial species, are safeguarded under international conventions, protocols and Nigerian laws.
According to him, sea turtles are facing growing threats globally from accidental capture in fishing activities, ocean plastic pollution and poaching.
He emphasised that protecting adult female turtles is particularly important to the survival of the species, noting that saving one adult female could potentially contribute to the production of hundreds of future hatchlings.
NESREA reminded members of the public that killing, trading or possessing endangered species is an offence punishable under Nigerian law.
The agency also urged fishermen who accidentally catch turtles or other endangered marine animals to release them immediately and report the incident to NESREA.
It said the Okun Igando rescue demonstrated how responsible action by local communities can make a significant contribution to wildlife conservation, particularly in coastal areas where fishing activities frequently bring people into contact with vulnerable marine species.
NESREA said it would issue a Letter of Commendation to the Baale of Okun Igando in recognition of his intervention and the community’s efforts to save the endangered turtle.
The agency added that it would continue working with coastal and other marine-adjoining communities to strengthen conservation awareness and encourage greater protection of threatened species.
The agency urged other fishing communities to emulate the Okun Igando community by protecting endangered animals accidentally caught during fishing and promptly reporting such incidents to the relevant authorities.
