SINGAPORE- THIRTEEN endangered sea turtles born and bred in
Japan were released off Singapore waters on Tuesday as part of
efforts to conserve the species.
The five one-year-olds and eight three-year-olds are the
offspring of Hawksbill turtles donated by the Underwater World
Singapore aquarium to the Port of Nagoya aquarium in 1997 and
2002.
They were brought to Singapore earlier this year and kept at the
Underwater World aquarium before the eventual release into their
natural habitat.
'I feel a sense of great relief because the turtles are where
they belong,' George Balazs, biologist and leader of marine turtle
research at the Hawaii-based Pacific Islands Fisheries Science
Center.
'Sea turtles in the sea,' the scientist said after the last
turtle swam into the water.
The three-year-olds were fitted with satellite tracking devices
so that scientists can follow their progress.
-- AFP
