The Lien Huong Border Guard Station, in coordination with the Hon Cau Marine Protected Area Management Board, released the green sea turtle back into its natural habitat. The turtle, scientifically known as *Chelonia mydas*, measures 58 cm long with a shell width of 47 cm.

"Before its release, the turtle underwent a health check and was tagged with a titanium tag VN1611 for identification," a conservation officer said.

The rare green sea turtle being released back into the ocean at Hon Cau on 12/8. *Photo: Chi Yeng*

The day before, staff at the Vinh Tan 1 Thermal Power Plant discovered the turtle stranded in the cooling water system and subsequently handed it over to the authorities.

Four days prior, the Hon Cau Marine Protected Area also released 93 hatchlings from a nest of 108 eggs incubated at Cau Cang beach.

Hatchlings emerge from their nest on the night of 8/8 at Hon Cau island. *Photo: Chi Yeng*

The 12,500-hectare Hon Cau Marine Protected Area encompasses the island itself, a buffer zone, and an ecological restoration area. Hon Cau island, located 10 km offshore and spanning 140 ha, is a frequent nesting site for sea turtles. Conservationists and volunteers regularly patrol the area during the breeding season to protect both nesting mothers and their eggs.

Viet Quoc