Sea turtle is rescued and returned to the sea in the APA Algodoal-Maiandeua
Teams conducted the biometrics of the turtle — measuring the shell and assessing physical conditions — placed identification tags, and returned it to the waters
A moment of rare beauty and profound symbolism marked the late afternoon of Friday (1st) at Praia da Princesa, in the Environmental Protection Area (APA) Algodoal-Maiandeua, in Maracanã, northeastern Pará. A green turtle (Chelonia mydas) was rescued and returned to the sea after being trapped in a fishing corral. The rescue operation was conducted by ARVUT Meio Ambiente and the Instituto Bicho D’água, with the support of technicians from the Institute of Forest Development and Biodiversity (Ideflor-Bio) and the local community.
The marine animal was found by island residents, who quickly alerted the specialists from the Northeast Region Management (GRNE) of Ideflor-Bio, which operates in the region as part of the actions of Operation Summer 2025. After the rescue, the turtle underwent a biometrics process — measuring the shell and assessing physical conditions — and received individualized identification tags, which allow for monitoring the species over time.
“This rescue reinforces the importance of constant technical presence in Conservation Units and the partnership with the community members, who are our eyes and ears in the territory. Seeing this animal return to the sea is witnessing the strength of conservation in action,” said Adriana Gomes, an environmental management technician from Ideflor-Bio who participated in the release operation.
Bioindicator - The species Chelonia mydas, known as the green turtle, is considered endangered and has fundamental ecological importance for the balance of marine and coastal ecosystems. Its presence in the region indicates the good environmental quality of the APA Algodoal-Maiandeua, which is one of the main natural refuges of the Pará coastline.
The process of marking with numbered metal tags is an essential resource for conservation science. With it, researchers and technicians can track the growth, movements, and even the migratory patterns of the animals. The information obtained contributes to the planning of public policies for the preservation and sustainable management of marine fauna.
The release of the turtle moved everyone who witnessed the action, especially the villagers, who closely followed each step of the rescue. Amid applause and attentive gazes, the turtle crossed the sandy strip to reach the sea, resuming its path in the salty waters that are part of its long and mysterious journey.
Biodiversity Sanctuary - For the director of Management and Monitoring of Conservation Units at Ideflor-Bio, Ellivelton Carvalho, the moment represents more than a simple rescue: it is the reaffirmation of the strategic role of UCs in the protection of marine biodiversity and in the articulation between science, environmental management, and traditional knowledge.
“This action symbolizes the State's commitment to the preservation of marine species and the importance of UCs to ensure that animals like the green turtle can continue to exist on our beaches. It is also a gesture of respect for nature and for the networked work with traditional communities,” highlighted the director.
