Taipei (Taiwan News) — Four protected sea turtles were released back into the ocean at a ceremony attracting 140 elementary school children, teachers, and citizens at Magong’s Shihli Beach (嵵裡海灘) on Tuesday (Oct. 29).
Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu (陳光復) presided over the event, which included municipal officials and the Coast Guard Administration 7th Shore Patrol. Many eagerly assembled for the release of rehabilitated sea turtles awaiting their return to the ocean.
Three sea turtles disappeared into the sea instantly, but one, an olive ridley sea turtle, remained stranded on the sea's surface when diving into the water. Penghu Fisheries Research Center staff took the turtle back for future observation, per CNA.

Chen said the sea turtles were stranded on the beach due to poor weather conditions, physical weakness, or entanglement in fishing nets this year. After being notified by the public or shore patrols, Penghu Fisheries Research Center cared for them and nursed them back to health.
All four protected sea turtles were deemed suitable for release back into the wild. The release was specially scheduled during high tide.
The site of the sea turtle release was also chosen for its contributions to marine wildlife education and ecological conservation. Penghu Fisheries Research Center stated that since its establishment more than 20 years ago, it has released more than 300 protected sea turtles into the wild.
