Born free: This juvenile green turtle has been returned to the wild after three months' rehabilitation.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department has released a juvenile green turtle, which was rescued by a local fisherman in Mui Wo in April.

The turtle was caught in a fishnet on April 13. The fisherman removed it and department staff collected it the next day.

It was sent to Ocean Park for veterinary assessment and was ascertained to be in good condition. Since then it has been kept at the Wetland Park for veterinary care.

After more than three months of rehabilitation, its weight rose from 7.8kg to 10.4kg and its carapace length from 40cm to 45cm. Its good shape suggested it was ready to be returned to sea.

Before the turtle embarked on its journey, the department microchipped it for future identification and attached a satellite transmitter to its back. By tracing green turtles' migratory routes and feeding grounds, the department can draw up protection measures and liaise with other authorities to better conserve the species.

Call 1823 to report any sighting or stranding of sea turtles.