The turtles (pawikan in local dialect) of Moalboal are a constant source of wonder for divers. On any given dive along the House Reef, at Talisay, Balay, or Pescador Island, it’s common to encounter these gentle animals gliding across the reef or resting on coral ledges. Yet until recently, we knew very little about their individual lives.

The Moalboal Turtle Project was created to change that. It was inspired by the pioneering work of Jonathan Anderson in Dauin and is led locally by Korren “Koz” Joseph, PADI Course Director at Savedra Dive Center.

Already a bunch of individuals have been catalogued, each one identified by its unique facial scute patterns, markings as distinctive as a fingerprint.

Every photo submitted, every detail recorded, brings us closer to the answers.

Every Turtle Has a Name and a Story

Thanks to contributions from divers and the leadership of Koz, Moalboal already has a growing turtle catalogue.

Each turtle is photographed, logged with a first encounter date and dive site, and described with distinguishing features. The catalogue is a living record that expands every time a diver shares an encounter.

Here are some of our residents:

Under Increasing Threat

Sea turtles have lived in our oceans for millions of years, but today they face serious challenges. In Moalboal, divers are lucky to see turtles every day, yet their survival is under constant pressure.

Plastic waste is one of the greatest dangers. Turtles often mistake bags for jellyfish, which can be fatal when swallowed.

Discarded fishing gear causes entanglement and injuries, while boat traffic in popular snorkeling and diving areas puts turtles at risk of being struck by propellers.

Coastal development and pollution threaten their feeding grounds, while climate change continues to damage coral reefs and seagrass beds, reducing the habitats they rely on.

Even human disturbance underwater can be harmful. Crowding, chasing, or touching turtles stresses them and changes their behavior.

This project not only documents their lives but also raises awareness of the importance of giving them space and protection

Your Dive Photos Are Valuable Data

The Moalboa Turtle Project is a community effort. It relies on divers who take the time to look a little closer, snap a photo, and share what they see. Participation is simple: take clear photos of the turtle, especially of both sides of its head, note the date and dive site, and send the images to us.

If the turtle is new to the catalogue, you’ll have the honor of giving it a name.

Even photos from years past are valuable, as they can show just how long certain turtles have been part of Moalboal’s reefs.

By contributing, you’re not only helping us track individuals but also shaping the larger picture of the population’s health and history.

From Dauin to Moalboal

Project Pawikan began in Dauin, Negros Oriental, created by marine conservationist Jonathan Anderson. His vision was to involve divers in recording turtle encounters, using their photos to build an identification catalogue. What started as a simple idea quickly grew into a powerful citizen science initiative, with hundreds of turtles identified and logged in Dauin alone.

Inspired by this success, Korren “Koz” Joseph of Savedra Dive Center launched the Moalboal chapter in 2025. With Jonathan’s encouragement and the proven model from Dauin, Koz mobilized the dive community here to begin cataloguing Moalboal’s turtles.

This connection between Dauin and Moalboal demonstrates how divers across the Philippines can unite to document and protect our marine life.

Citizen Scientists at Work

Every diver who contributes to the catalogue is acknowledged in the turtle’s profile as the first reporter.

This recognition not only celebrates the turtle itself but also honors the diver who helped bring its story to light.

The Moalboal chapter of Project Pawikan is only at the beginning of its journey. With the continued support of divers, guides, and the local community, the catalogue will grow year after year.

Eventually, data from Moalboal may be linked with Dauin and other Philippine locations, revealing migration routes and long-term patterns.

The story of these turtles is still being written, and every diver has the chance to add a page.

Your photo today may become the record that tells us where a turtle has lived for the last decade.

Together, we can ensure that Moalboal’s turtles are known, appreciated, and protected for generations to come!

For further learning and involvement:

• LAMAVE Turtle Conservation Program

• Project Pawikan Facebook Group Dauin