Thousands of hatchling sea turtles released
Story By: NBC
Source: NBC
Published Mon Oct 13, 2008, 04:04 PM MDT
Updated Mon Oct 13, 2008, 04:04 PM MDT
Thousands of newly hatched marine turtles were released into the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, part of a conservation effort to preserve the endangered species.
The tiny turtles attracted a huge crowd as they slowly crawled across the beach to the water at Playa Toluca, El Salvador. The project coordinator said the objective is to make the region's population aware that the turtles are endangered.
The number of turtles has dwindled because of pollution and accidental fishing. Fishermen in the region are now urged to use turtle exclusion nets which allow turtles to escape. Use of the nets is part of an international fishing agreement.
