Apo Reef’s critically endangered sea turtles have doubled in numbers amid the lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Apo Reef Natural Park reported 29 hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green sea turtles were seen thriving in the waters of Occidental Mindoro on August 31, 2020, nearly double the 15 recorded in 2019.

Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Krystal Dayne Villanada credits the improved number of sea turtles in the area to decreased tourism activity due to the park’s temporary closure in line with the government directives for community quarantine.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the ecotourism activities of Apo Reef Natural Park. This led to its closure from outsiders and low IPAF (Integrated Protected Areas Fund) collection. However, this pandemic also made way for the island to rejuvenate,” Villanada said in a live discussion organized by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB).

The entire Apo Reef complex comprises of the Apo Island, which is rife with mangrove vegetation, and the northern and southern coral reef complex around Binangaan Islet and Cayos del Bajo.